Rain Disrupts Five of Nine Women's World Cup Matches in Sri Lanka

The 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup scheduling in Colombo, Sri Lanka, has faced widespread criticism due to the predictable monsoon season causing multiple rain-affected matches, with five of nine games disrupted and four ending with no result. Former England spinner Alex Hartley condemned the International Cricket Council (ICC) for hosting matches during this period, stating the weather has "ruined" the tournament, especially as all Pakistan matches are held at Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium amid political tensions with India. New Zealand captain Sophie Devine and England coach Charlotte Edwards also voiced frustration, urging for future matches to start earlier in the day to avoid afternoon rains. The scheduling decisions have particularly impacted Pakistan and New Zealand's chances of advancing, with rainouts threatening their progression rather than on-field performance. Despite known weather patterns of heavy October rainfall, the ICC maintained a 3pm local start time for day-night matches, drawing criticism for poor planning. The controversy highlights challenges balancing geopolitics and weather risks in international cricket event hosting.