[Watch]: “We’re Not Going To India…”: Pakistan Opener Addresses World Cup Controversy As Tensions Rise After Pahalgam Attack

Whenever you hear “India vs Pakistan” in cricket, you know it’s more than just a game—it’s history, emotions, politics, and pure passion all rolled into one. Now, after the recent tragic Pahalgam terror attack, this fiery rivalry has found a fresh battleground, with new sparks flying between the two nations’ cricket boards and players.

India vs Pakistan Cricket: A History of Tension

India and Pakistan share one of the fiercest rivalries in sports. But unlike most rivalries, this one is often affected by politics, leading to cancelled tours, neutral venues, and heightened security fears. Every time the two teams are scheduled to meet, there’s always more at stake than just the trophy. The Pahalgam terror attack once again rattled emotions across India.

Gull Feroza’s Firm Stand

Gull Feroza, a bright opener for Pakistan’s women’s cricket team, made headlines during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers. While still relatively new on the international stage, her voice carries the sentiments of a determined and proud Pakistani squad. Her clarity highlights not just a personal view but also reflects an official team stance.

In a recent chat with PakPassion, Feroza left no room for ambiguity, “We know this much that we will play in Asian conditions and we are not playing in India. This is clear. Neither are we interested in playing in India.”

"We're not going to India."

Pakistan opener Gull Feroza firmly states that the team won't play in India.

🎙️ Catch the full post-qualification chat with Gull and others:
https://t.co/8HjU8lTI0R pic.twitter.com/ZqRGxHRbtx

— PakPassion.net (@PakPassion) April 24, 2025

Pakistan Women’s Team: Their Journey to the 2025 World Cup

Despite the off-field drama, Pakistan’s women cricketers have been working hard. They battled through the qualifiers with grit and have rightfully secured their spot for the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup, which ironically, is set to be hosted by India.

Understanding the Hybrid Model Concept

Earlier this year, India’s men’s team declined to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. As a result, key matches—including the final—were shifted to Dubai. This precedent is now being used as a template for the women’s tournament, making Pakistan’s demand seem less controversial and more procedural.

The concept of a hybrid model is not new. In 2023, the Asia Cup adopted it after India refused to travel to Pakistan. Split hosting duties, with some matches played in Pakistan and others in Sri Lanka. For the Women’s World Cup, a similar plan could unfold. Likely neutral venues include Sri Lanka or Dubai, offering familiar conditions to the Asian teams, thus ensuring no one feels totally out of their element.

Feroza supports PCB’s Official Position

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has already confirmed that they won’t be travelling to the host’s country. Given the ongoing political climate, it’s not surprising that Pakistan is pushing for neutral venues.

“So, wherever it is played – hopefully in Sri Lanka or Dubai – those conditions are similar to the ones you get in Asia. The Qualifiers were at home, and the staff prepared tracks accordingly. Wherever the World Cup games are played, the conditions will be similar to those we have at home. So, our preparation will be according to that, and we are ready for that,” she added.

Neutral venues offer a short-term fix but are not a permanent solution. They rob the game of local fan energy, complicate logistics, and dampen the atmosphere that only home crowds can create.

The India vs Pakistan cricket debate, reignited by the Pahalgam attack, underscores how delicate the relationship between sports and politics can be. Gull Feroza’s firm words and the PCB’s stance reflect broader concerns beyond the cricket field.