Pakistan to Skip India Trip for ICC Women’s World Cup, Seeks Neutral Venue

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a key announcement regarding the ICC Women's One Day International (ODI) World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted by India later this year. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated on Saturday that the Pakistan women's cricket team will not travel to India for the tournament. Instead, following a previously agreed 'hybrid model' arrangement, Pakistan will play its matches at a neutral venue.

Mohsin Naqvi explained that the decision adheres to the hybrid model agreement that was established in the past. During the ICC Champions Trophy previously hosted by Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had declined to send the Indian team to Pakistan due to diplomatic tensions between the two countries. At that time, the Indian team played its matches in Dubai. In view of that, both countries had agreed to adopt the hybrid model for ICC tournaments hosted by either nation, under which the other country would play its matches at a neutral venue.

“Just as India played its Champions Trophy matches at a neutral venue instead of Pakistan, we will follow the same approach. We will play wherever the venue is finalised. Once an agreement is made, it must be honored,” said Mohsin Naqvi. He also stated that, since India is hosting the tournament, India and the ICC would jointly decide the neutral venue for Pakistan's matches.

The ICC Women's ODI World Cup is scheduled to take place in India from September 29 to October 26 this year. Australia will participate as the defending champion. Apart from the host India, teams from England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Sri Lanka have already secured direct qualification for the tournament.

Mohsin Naqvi expressed satisfaction over the outstanding performance of the Pakistan women's team in the recent qualifiers held in Lahore. He said he was pleased that the team won all five matches—against Ireland, Scotland, West Indies, Thailand, and Bangladesh—and qualified for the World Cup.