Pakistan will not travel to India for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, opting instead to play their matches at a neutral venue, following a mutual agreement between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
This decision was confirmed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on April 19, 2025, citing the “hybrid model” arrangement that was previously implemented during the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
Under this hybrid model, which was agreed upon amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, any matches involving Pakistan in ICC events hosted by India will be played at neutral venues outside India.
This arrangement mirrors the situation during the Champions Trophy earlier this year, where the Indian team refused to travel to Pakistan, and their matches were held in Dubai.
Similarly, Pakistan’s women’s team will not travel to India for the Women’s World Cup scheduled from September 29 to October 26, 2025, with India as the official host.
Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan’s women’s team will honor the agreement and play at whichever neutral venue is decided by India and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
He stated, “Just like India didn’t play in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy and were allowed to play at a neutral venue, whatever venue is decided, we will play. When there is an agreement, it has to be adhered to.”
The exact neutral venue for Pakistan’s matches in the Women’s World Cup is yet to be announced.
Pakistan’s women’s team earned their place in the World Cup with an impressive unbeaten run in the qualifiers held in Lahore, winning all five matches against teams including Ireland, Scotland, West Indies, Thailand, and Bangladesh. The team’s strong performance has been lauded by Naqvi, who promised special rewards for their success.
This decision highlights the ongoing political and logistical challenges surrounding India-Pakistan cricketing ties. Despite Pakistan having toured India for the 2023 Men’s World Cup, the strained diplomatic relations continue to affect bilateral cricketing engagements.
The hybrid model agreement, mediated by the ICC, aims to ensure that both nations can participate in ICC events without compromising security or political sensitivities, by hosting matches involving either side at neutral venues when the other is the official host.
