ICC launches one-day international series in New Delhi

Reuters: The International Cricket Council (ICC) launched the second edition of one-day international (ODI) championship in New Delhi on Monday (October 09) in presence of India captain Mithali Raj and former skipper Anjum Chopra.

The tournament kicks off on 11 October as the West Indies host Sri Lanka for three matches, while England and Australia square off from 22-29 October. In other first-round series, Pakistan host New Zealand in the United Arab Emirates (31 October to 5 November) and South Africa play at home against India in February 2018.

It will be played in the same format as the inaugural edition between 2014-16 in which the top eight sides - Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies - faced off each other in series of three ODIs on a home or away basis.

Former India skipper Anjum Chopra said all teams would play 21 matches in two years.

India Captain Mithali Raj said she was raring to go, as they had not played since losing the World Cup final to hosts England in July.

The next women’s cricket World Cup will be held in 2021 in New Zealand.