Alyssa Healy and her all-conquering Australia side will play at least one match at this year's Women's World Cup in Sri Lanka. India are staging the tournament, from September 30 to November 2, but political tensions mean Pakistan will not touch Indian soil, even if they reach the final, it was confirmed on Monday. The same hybrid model was used in the men's Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan in February-March. India played only in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where they won the final. Australia are defending champions, having won their seventh title in 2022 when they beat England in the final in New Zealand. Eight teams will compete in a round-robin format in 28 league matches and three knockout matches - the semi-finals and final. Potentially, one semi-final and the final could be played in Colombo, should Pakistan progress. Tension has risen between India and Pakistan in recent months, with the countries stepping back from the brink of war in May. Bengaluru, Visakhapatnam, Guwahati and Indore will host World Cup games in India, and Colombo is the neutral venue, the International Cricket Council announced. The tournament will begin in Bengaluru - the venue for the final - with a game involving India. Bengaluru will also host the second semi-final on October 30. Guwahati will stage the first semi-final but Colombo will be on standby. The eight participating teams are India, defending champion Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan.