As the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Pakistan draws near, the competition stands as evidence of the women’s game’s ever-growing complexity. With six countries set to compete for two spots at the World Cup in India later this year, cricket legends have offered their opinions on the event’s importance, both as a competition and as a reflection of the sport’s quick development.
Among the most prominent individuals in women’s cricket are former Pakistan captains Sana Mir and Bismah Maroof, whose opinions perfectly encapsulate the significance of this competition.
There are more reasons for Pakistan to host the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier than just cricket; it’s about advancement, exposure, and opportunity. Sana Mir, a national pioneer in the sport, saw this occasion as a turning point, stating, “One of the great things about the ICC Women’s Championship, which I benefited from hugely in my career, is that it has been expanded to 10 teams.
“I feel that plays a huge role, especially for countries like Bangladesh and Ireland now that they have been part of that. It is a very exciting time in women’s cricket and if we keep doing things right, there will be more than four or five teams who people want to see playing against each other.”
She also highlighted how women’s ODIs are now more interesting than ever because of the increase in competition. Many matches in the most recent World Cup came down to the final few overs, and that’s what you want to watch as an audience. She sees this increased unpredictability as evidence that women’s cricket is not only expanding but flourishing.
One of Pakistan’s most successful captains, Bismah Maroof, agrees with Mir and considers how the game has changed around the world. She admits that more teams are stepping up and raising their game, and that women’s cricket is growing stronger.
Maroof also acknowledged the work of teams from Associate and Full Member countries, pointing out that more playing opportunities directly contribute to their growth, claiming, “The associate countries are playing really well, Scotland and Thailand have come a long way and as a full member country, Ireland have grown a lot.”
The ICC’s investment in women’s cricket, which has helped create robust grassroots programs and paths for developing countries, as demonstrated by the growth of teams like Thailand and Scotland. This Qualifier is a chance for the Fatima Sana-led Pakistan squad to demonstrate their development and solidify their position on the international scene. The team will be keen to earn one of the coveted World Cup slots, and playing at home will be a big benefit.
This is also a fantastic chance for Pakistan supporters to cheer on their country and see firsthand the elite level of international women’s cricket. By providing them with prominent role models in the form of Mir, Maroof, and the current Pakistani team, the event also provides possibilities for young ladies who want to pursue the sport.
All eyes will be on Pakistan and the six competing teams as the competition draws closer. In addition to selecting the top teams for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup, this qualifier will act as a benchmark for the depth and advancement of women’s cricket around the world.
The future of women’s cricket appears to be more promising than ever given the efforts of advocates like Sana Mir and Bismah Maroof.
(Quotes sourced from ICC media release)
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