Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced on Saturday that Pakistan’s women’s cricket team will not travel to India for the ICC ODI World Cup 2025. Instead, the team will play their matches at a neutral venue, following the hybrid model that was implemented earlier this year. This model allows both India and Pakistan to play their matches at neutral locations in case one of the two countries is hosting an ICC event.
Pakistan’s Response to BCCI’s Hybrid Model
Naqvi’s statement came in response to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s refusal to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy due to ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations. As a result, the tournament matches were played in Dubai. Naqvi emphasized the need for agreements to be upheld and confirmed that the neutral venue for Pakistan’s World Cup matches will be determined by both India and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“Just like India didn’t play in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy and were allowed to play at a neutral venue, whatever venue is decided, we will play. When there is an agreement, it has to be adhered to,” Naqvi said.
Pakistan Women’s Impressive Qualification for World Cup
Pakistan’s women’s cricket team earned their spot in the World Cup after a dominant performance in the Qualifiers, held in Lahore. The team won all five of their matches, defeating Ireland, Scotland, West Indies, Thailand, and Bangladesh to secure their place in the main tournament.
Naqvi praised the team’s performance, noting how they leveraged their home advantage to play as a collective unit. “The team showed how to take home advantage and play like a collective unit. I am happy that women’s cricket is doing well now,” he remarked.
Future Rewards for the Women’s Team
In recognition of their exceptional achievement, Naqvi confirmed that the PCB would announce a special reward for the women’s team for their remarkable performance.
The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 will take place from September 29 to October 26, with Australia defending their title.
