In a significant development ahead of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced on Saturday that the Pakistan women’s cricket team will not travel to India for the tournament. Instead, the team will play its matches at a neutral venue, following the hybrid model agreed upon by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) earlier this year.
The hybrid model was previously implemented during the ICC Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan, where India refused to send its team across the border due to ongoing diplomatic tensions. Consequently, Indian matches were held in Dubai. This precedent has now paved the way for a similar arrangement for the upcoming women’s ODI World Cup.
“Just like India didn’t play in Pakistan for the Champions Trophy and were allowed to play at a neutral venue, the same applies here. When there is an agreement, it has to be adhered to,” Naqvi stated. He clarified that the neutral venue would be decided by the ICC and the host nation, India.
India is set to host the Women’s ODI World Cup from September 29 to October 26, with Australia entering the tournament as defending champions. Other teams that have already qualified include England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and host India.
Chairman Naqvi expressed pride in the Pakistan women’s team for their stellar performance in the Qualifiers, held recently in Lahore. Pakistan remained unbeaten throughout the qualifying round, securing victories over Ireland, Scotland, West Indies, Thailand, and Bangladesh. Their dominant performance earned them a well-deserved spot in the main tournament.
“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,” Naqvi said, adding that the PCB plans to announce a special reward for the squad in recognition of their outstanding efforts.
He also highlighted that the PCB had once again proven its capability by successfully hosting another ICC event following the Champions Trophy.
