FAQ: All you need to know about the ICC U-19 Women's World Cup 2025 in Malaysia

Defending champions India will kick-start their U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 campaign against the West Indies on January 19. The two teams have been pitted against each other in Group A, alongside Sri Lanka and hosts Malaysia. 

Sixteen teams from around the globe will participate in the 41-match event over 15 days, beginning January 18. The warm-up fixtures will be played between January 13 and 16. 

How are the groups split?

Group A - India (A1), West Indies (A2), Sri Lanka (A3) and Malaysia (A4), playing at Bayuemas Oval in Selangor.

Group B - England (B1), Pakistan (B2), Ireland (B3) and USA (B4) playing at Dato’ Dr. Harjit Singh Johor Cricket Academy (JCA Oval), Johor.

Group C - New Zealand (C1), South Africa (C2), Africa’s Qualifier (C3) and Samoa (C4) playing at Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak.

Group D - Australia (D1), Bangladesh (D2), Asia’s Qualifier (D3) and Scotland (D4) and playing at UKM YSD Oval in Selangor.

Who are the new teams?

Samoa will make the country’s first-ever appearance at an ICC World Cup, while Malaysia will make their first appearance in the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup. 

What’s the format like?

The format will see teams progress from the Group stages to enter the Super Six stage starting on January 25. Two groups of six teams will compete to determine the semi-finalists and subsequent finalists. If India qualify for the semi-finals, they will play semi-final 2, which will take place on January 31. 

I thought there were two hosts?

Well, yes, there was Thailand, too, who were supposed to co-host the tournament, but they pulled out, leaving the hosting rights and responsibilities with Malaysia. 

What are the four venues?

Four venues in Selangor, Johor and Sarawak will stage the second edition of the competition, with the Bayuemas Oval in Selangor hosting the final on February 2. 

How about reserve days?

February 1 is a reserve day for the semi-finals, and February 3 is a reserve day for the final.

What does the ICC say?

ICC’s CEO Geoff Allardice said: 

“We are delighted to announce the schedule for the second edition of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup and bringing an ICC event of this stature to Malaysia for the first time since the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2008.

“This is a special event to the ICC and forms an important part of our Global Growth Strategy of raising the profile of women’s cricket and further growing the game around the world. It is also a unique opportunity to introduce our vast global audiences to the future stars of the sport.

“We look forward to building on the success from the foundation laid at the inaugural event in South Africa in 2023. We wish all the teams the very best of luck in their preparation and to the Malaysian Cricket Association in organising the event.”

How does Malaysia view this opportunity?

Host Tournament Director for the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup 2025, Dinesh Muthuraman said: 

"Malaysia is proud to host the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2025, continuing our tradition of supporting the growth of cricket on the global stage. In 2008, we had the honour of hosting the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, where current stars like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Trent Boult, among many others, showcased their talents. Now, it is the turn of women’s cricket, and we are confident that this U19 Women’s T20 World Cup will be a launching pad for the next generation of cricketing legends.

“Women’s cricket is experiencing unprecedented growth both in Malaysia and around the world. We are fully confident that this World Cup will further accelerate that momentum, leading to significant developments in the sport, especially for women’s cricket. The matches will take place at premier venues, including Bayuemas Oval and UKM YSD Oval in Selangor, Dato’ Dr. Harjit Singh Johor Cricket Academy (JCA) Oval in Johor, and the Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak. Malaysia is looking forward to hosting these future stars and contributing to their journey in the world of cricket.

“On behalf of the Malaysian Cricket Association, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the International Cricket Council for entrusting us with this prestigious event. We are committed to delivering a successful and memorable tournament, showcasing Malaysia’s ability to host world-class sporting events."

(With inputs from ICC's Media Release)

If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out — big time. Play Fantasy on Cricket.com NOW! Download the App here