PCB Confirms Pakistan Will Not Travel To India For Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025

In a bold but expected move, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced that Pakistan will not travel to India for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, sticking to a hybrid model arrangement that has previously allowed teams to play at neutral venues amid geopolitical tensions.

Background to the Conflict

Cricket matches between India and Pakistan have always been more than just games—they’re often treated like political chess moves. Ongoing diplomatic strain between the two nations has historically made bilateral cricket impossible. Since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, India has refused to tour Pakistan, and relations have only worsened. This tension has trickled down into women’s cricket, where cross-border tours have been avoided, and now, Pakistan is standing its ground too.

Mohsin Naqvi’s Official Statement

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi made it clear: Pakistan’s women’s team will not be visiting India for the ODI World Cup. Instead, the team will compete at a neutral venue, a setup both countries had agreed upon previously.

“Just like India didn’t play in Pakistan in the Champions Trophy and were allowed to play at a neutral venue, whatever venue is decided, we will play [there],” Naqvi stated.

He stressed the importance of honoring the agreement and underscored that “when there is an agreement, it has to be adhered to.”

Understanding the Hybrid Model

The ICC introduced a compromise model to ensure global tournaments run smoothly when certain countries refuse to tour each other. Under this system, India and Pakistan play their matches at neutral venues, preventing disruptions while maintaining tournament integrity. This arrangement remains in effect for all ICC events until 2027, allowing both nations to participate without direct travel concerns.

Earlier in 2025, Pakistan hosted the ICC Champions Trophy, but India opted to play all its matches in Dubai instead of traveling to Pakistan. The model proved logistically efficient and received approval from the ICC. Now, Pakistan views this precedent as justification for applying the same approach to the Women’s World Cup 2025, arguing that if it worked for India, it should be valid for them as well.

Details of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025

This year’s ICC Women’s ODI World Cup is scheduled from September 29 to October 26, with India as the host nation. The defending champions, Australia, will be joined by: India (host), England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan.

Pakistan’s venue for the Women’s World Cup 2025 remains undecided, with several neutral locations being considered. Possible options include Dubai or Abu Dhabi in the UAE, Oman or Qatar, and Malaysia or Sri Lanka. The final decision will be jointly determined by the ICC and BCCI, but Pakistan remains firm on its stance of not traveling to India, ensuring that its matches take place outside the host nation.

Pakistan Women’s Team Journey to Qualification

Pakistan’s women’s team dominated the qualifiers, winning all five matches with exceptional teamwork, strategic execution, and composure under pressure. Their campaign showcased brilliant chemistry, allowing them to outplay opponents across different conditions.

Their victories came against Ireland, Scotland, West Indies, Thailand, and Bangladesh, each match highlighting a different aspect of their game. They began with a commanding 60+ run win over Ireland, followed by bowlers stepping up against Scotland to defend a modest target.

A thrilling encounter against West Indies saw them edge out the opposition with tight fielding, while an all-round display against Thailand cemented their dominance. The final clash against Bangladesh was the most anticipated, where Pakistan held their nerve and showcased skill to emerge victorious, sealing their place in the Women’s World Cup 2025 in emphatic fashion.

The ICC’s balancing act is no easy task. It has to keep the peace, ensure fairness, and avoid taking sides. By supporting the hybrid model, ICC has shown that logistics can adapt to politics without hurting the game.

Naqvi’s Praise and Rewards for the Team

Naqvi promised special rewards for the women’s squad, calling them a “collective unit” that knew how to leverage home advantage. Details haven’t been announced, but it’s clear that women’s cricket is now a priority for the board.

PCB chairman added, “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.”

Pakistan’s women’s team has already shown they deserve their spot on the world stage. Now, the spotlight turns to the ICC and BCCI to decide where the drama will unfold—if not in India, then somewhere neutral, but no less thrilling.