The cricketing world is abuzz as the International Cricket Council (ICC) unfurls the match schedule for the much-anticipated ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025, with the vibrant state of Johor steering into the spotlight as a pivotal host venue. Prof Faidz Abdul Rahman, the astute president of the Johor Cricket Council, revealed that this grand affair will unfold from January 18 to February 2, 2025, featuring an exhilarating clash of 16 teams hailing from various corners of the globe.
In a whirlwind of activity, a staggering 41 matches will be staged over the course of 15 action-packed days. The prestigious Dato’ Dr Harjit Singh Johor Cricket Academy (JCA Oval) will serve as the battleground for all Group B matchups. Enthusiasts should brace themselves for intense rivalries, as formidable teams like England, Pakistan, Ireland, and the USA gear up for a showdown. The tournament will kick off with a thrilling duel between England and Ireland, soon to be followed by Pakistan squaring off against the USA on that very first day.
Prof Faidz, addressing the eager crowd at a press conference held at JCA Oval in Johor Baru, emphasized the monumental opportunity this global event presents for Johor. It is not just an occasion to flaunt its state-of-the-art cricket facilities but also to underscore the fervor that the region harbors for the sport. “We are currently embarking on ambitious upgrading projects at JCA Oval, which will be out of action until December,” he added, hinting at the future enhancements that this game-changing tournament will herald.
With a keen eye on preparation, the tournament will also see the teams engaging in a series of 16 warm-up matches from January 13 to 16, ensuring they are battle-ready for the main event. This upcoming iteration of the Women’s T20 World Cup is especially noteworthy as it marks the second advent of the championship, building on the remarkable success of its inaugural event held in South Africa in 2023, where India emerged triumphant, claiming the title against England.
In a historic twist, Malaysia is set to make its debut on this grand stage, with Samoa also stepping into its first ICC World Cup spotlight. The competing teams will be sorted into four groups, with Group A—comprising powerhouses like India, West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia—taking to the field at Bayuemas Oval in Klang, Selangor. Meanwhile, Group B is bracing for action at JCA Oval, featuring the fierce encounter of England, Pakistan, Ireland, and the USA.
Not to be outdone, Group C games will unveil at the Borneo Cricket Ground in Kuching, Sarawak, showcasing New Zealand, South Africa, Africa’s Qualifier, and Samoa, while Group D battles it out at UKM YSD Oval in Bangi, Selangor, with Australia, Bangladesh, Asia’s Qualifier, and Scotland.
The Malaysian contingent, led by their president Mohammed Iqbal Ali Kassim Ali, is deep into preparations that started early this year. As they enter the critical fifth phase of their training, a tour to Thailand is on the horizon to further cultivate skills. Despite the looming threat of rain, they are assured of uninterrupted training within the indoor facilities available in Thailand. Additionally, participation in the Asia Cup in December serves as another pivotal steppingstone leading up to the World Cup.
Emphasizing the necessity of such exposure, Mohammed Iqbal noted cricket’s global stature as the second most-watched sport, trailing only behind football, with a staggering audience of over two billion. He expressed that the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 would adopt a dynamic format, aiming to amplify competitive fervor.
In this engaging round-robin style, the 16 teams will vie for supremacy in their respective groups, and the top two from each group will advance to the Super Six stage, maintaining a gripping narrative where every match holds paramount significance. Progress will be determined through cumulative points carried into the Super Six, leading toward the electrifying semi-finals and culminating in a spectacular finale on February 2 at Selangor’s Bayuemas Oval.
