(From right) Malaysia Cricket Association chief executive officer M. Dinesh, Mohammed Iqbal, Johor Sports Council High Performance and Sport Science assistant director Mohammad Syafiq Hassan and Prof Faidz looking over JCA Oval cricket grounds in Johor Baru.
International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the match schedule for ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025, and Johor is set to play a prominent role as host venue.
Johor Cricket Council president Prof Faidz Abdul Rahman said the tournament, featuring 16 teams from around the world, was set for Jan 18 to Feb 2, 2025.
It will showcase 41 matches across 15 days of competition.
“Dato’ Dr Harjit Singh Johor Cricket Academy (JCA Oval) will host all Group B matches.
“Cricket fans can look forward to exciting fixtures, with England, Pakistan, Ireland and USA set to battle it out.
“The tournament’s opening day, in Johor, will see England taking on Ireland, followed by Pakistan facing USA on Jan 18,” Prof Faidz said at a press conference at JCA Oval in Johor Baru.
He said the global event presented a valuable opportunity for Johor to highlight its world-class cricket facilities and showcase the state’s passion for the sport.
“We have started with the upgrading projects of JCA Oval, which will be closed until December.
“This tournament will also be a chance to contribute significantly to the development of cricket, both regionally and on the international stage,” he added.
To help teams prepare for the main event, 16 warm-up fixtures will be played from Jan 13 to 16.
The 2025 tournament marks the second edition of the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, after the success of the inaugural event in South Africa in 2023 where India clinched the title by defeating England to become the first-ever women champions.
The upcoming edition marks Malaysia’s debut, while Samoa will also make its first appearance at an ICC World Cup event.
The 16 participating teams will be divided into four groups, with matches taking place across various venues.
Group A matches, featuring India, West Indies, Sri Lanka and Malaysia, will be held at Bayuemas Oval in Klang, Selangor.
Group B, which includes England, Pakistan, Ireland and USA, will see action at JCA Oval in Johor.
Group C games, comprising New Zealand, South Africa, Africa’s Qualifier and Samoa, will unfold at Borneo Cricket Ground in Kuching, Sarawak.
Group D will see Australia, Bangladesh, Asia’s Qualifier and Scotland compete at UKM YSD Oval in Bangi, Selangor.
Malaysia Cricket Association president Mohammed Iqbal Ali Kassim Ali said the Malaysian team had been preparing in stages since early this year and was now entering phase five of the process.
“This phase will include a tour of Thailand, where the players will continue to hone their skills.
“While rain is a factor during the training period, indoor facilities in Thailand will ensure the training schedule remains uninterrupted.
“In addition to the Thailand tour, the Malaysian team will also participate in the Asia Cup in December as part of their build-up to the World Cup,” he said.
Mohammed Iqbal said it was important to expose players to high-level competition such as the World Cup, noting that cricket was the second most-watched sport worldwide after football, with over two billion viewers.
He said ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 would feature a format aimed at maximising competitive balance and excitement.
“The 16 teams will compete in a round-robin format during the group stage.
“The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage, where they will be divided into two pools.
“Teams will carry forward their points from the group stage, ensuring that every match is of vital importance.
“The top two teams from each Super Six pool will progress to the semi-finals, culminating in the grand final on Feb 2 at Selangor’s Bayuemas Oval,” said Mohammed Iqbal.
