April 20, 2025 – Lahore, Pakistan: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed that Pakistan’s women’s cricket team will not travel to India for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 and will instead play at a neutral venue, as per the hybrid model agreement accepted earlier this year.
Hybrid Model Agreement
Since India is hosting the tournament, it will decide the neutral venue where Pakistan’s matches will be held. “Everything will happen according to the agreement. India will decide where the match will happen because they are the hosts. Wherever they decide, our team will go and play there. But the Pakistan team won’t travel to India,” Naqvi told reporters following Pakistan vs Bangladesh in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier.
Historic Rivalry and Political Tensions
Due to strained political relations, India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, when they last played in the Asia Cup. The two teams have primarily faced each other in ICC tournaments and Asia Cups since then. Earlier this year, Pakistan hosted the ICC Champions Trophy, but India refused to travel due to geopolitical concerns, leading to the adoption of the hybrid model for hosting ICC events between 2024 and 2027.
Pakistan’s Qualification for ICC Women’s ODI World Cup
Pakistan secured its spot in the marquee event after an undefeated performance in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers. The team won all five matches, ensuring its place alongside other qualified teams, including India (hosts), England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is set to take place from September 26 to November 2, with Pakistan’s matches being scheduled at a neutral venue to adhere to the agreement.
