From the cricketing world, the biggest spectacle is all set to return this September as top teams from across the globe prepare to fight it out for the elusive ICC Women’s World Cup of 2025.
As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shared tentative arrangements for the tournament venues, anticipation is already brewing among the followers of the game.
But beyond the action on the field, there is one big question looming in the air—will Pakistan travel to India? The political rivalry between the two countries has usually cast a shadow over bilateral cricket, and with the tournament being hosted by India, the chances of participation from neighbours look dull.
Pakistan’s qualification for Women’s World Cup 2025 is still on hold, as the team will have to qualify through the World Cup Qualifiers. Scheduled to take place in Pakistan between April 9 and 19, this six-nation tournament will decide the final two countries that will qualify for the event later this year.
To make it to the main event, Pakistan needs to be among the top two. Not making it would be another miss for Pakistan in yet another marquee ICC women’s cricket event.
If Pakistan qualifies to play in the 2025 Women’s World Cup, all their matches will be played in Sri Lanka. This is as per a hybrid hosting model, just like that followed in the 2025 Men’s Champions Trophy. Here, although the official host was Pakistan, India’s matches were played in Dubai.
Since it has been determined by the top governing body, ICC, India-Pakistan matches hosted by either nation at ICC Events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be staged at a neutral venue.
The BCCI has admitted that Pakistan’s fixtures for future ICC events in India will be played at neutral venues. This step has been taken to avoid any drastic changes and modifications in a multi-team event due to geopolitical tensions.
Scheduled to be held later this year in September-October, the anticipation is already on for what will prove to be a crucial moment in women’s cricket. To be hosted in India, the event promises to be instrumental in further enhancing the women’s game throughout the subcontinent.
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