Citing the earlier hybrid model used for Champions Trophy 2025, PCB confirms Pakistan women’s team will play World Cup matches at a neutral venue; ICC and BCCI to finalise location.
New Delhi, April 20, 2025:
In a retaliatory move mirroring India’s earlier stance during the Champions Trophy, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday confirmed that the Pakistan women’s cricket team will not travel to India for the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. Instead, the team will play its group stage matches at a neutral venue, under the hybrid model agreed upon between the two boards and the ICC.
The tournament is scheduled to be held in India from September 29 to October 26, with Australia as the defending champions.
Naqvi justified the decision by drawing parallels to India’s refusal to send their men’s team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, hosted earlier this year. During that event, India played all its matches in Dubai, as part of the same hybrid hosting arrangement.
“Just like India didn’t play in Pakistan in the Champions Trophy and were allowed to play at a neutral venue, we will do the same. When there is an agreement, it has to be adhered to,” Naqvi said.
The final decision on the alternate venue will be made by the ICC and host board BCCI, he added.
Pakistan’s Strong Qualification Campaign
Naqvi also lauded the performance of the Pakistan women’s team, who qualified for the World Cup in dominant fashion by winning all five of their matches in the Qualifiers held in Lahore. They defeated Ireland, Scotland, West Indies, Thailand, and Bangladesh, securing a place in the main tournament alongside India, England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.
“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 said, adding that a special reward for the squad will be announced soon.
Naqvi also highlighted the successful hosting of another ICC event by Pakistan after the Champions Trophy, underlining the board’s logistical capabilities.
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Pakistan Women’s Team, ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, India vs Pakistan, Mohsin Naqvi, ICC Hybrid Model, Champions Trophy, PCB, BCCI, Neutral Venue, India-Pakistan Cricket Relations, Sports Diplomacy, Women’s Cricket, World Cup 2025