The road to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 has been anything but straightforward for the Pakistan women’s cricket team. Against a backdrop of rising political tensions between India and Pakistan, the team finds itself preparing for a marquee global event marked by undeniable complications.
The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir — which claimed the lives of over 26 civilians and left many injured — has further strained already fragile ties between the two countries. In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) doubled down on its longstanding policy of refusing to engage Pakistan in bilateral cricket, extending this hardline stance decisively to the women’s game as well.
With diplomatic sensitivities escalating, the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 — scheduled for September–October — will see India hosting the event but with a critical caveat: Pakistan’s matches will be played at neutral venues. This follows the precedent set during the Champions Trophy 2025, ensuring no cross-border travel for either side.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s own stance is no less firm. There is no eagerness from their side either to play on Indian soil. Opening batter Gull Feroza voiced the team’s mindset, stating their readiness to adapt to conditions elsewhere while clearly hinting that playing in India is not desirable.
At the center of it, responding to the question — whether it was a bit concerning that the country where the World Cup would be played had not yet been decided, and how preparations were being made despite the uncertainty in conditions — Gull Feroza reflected, “What we do know is that it will be in Asian conditions.
“We won’t be playing in India, that’s clear, and we don’t want too either. Wherever it is — Sri Lanka or Dubai — it will still be in Asian conditions. We had our qualifiers at home, and our support staff prepared us accordingly. So, whatever the final conditions are, they will be quite similar to what we are used to. We will continue to prepare with that in mind, and we are ready for it.”
Despite the political turmoil, the Pakistan women’s team will enter the World Cup with buoyant spirits, riding high on a sensational campaign at the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier. Demonstrating their growing prowess, Pakistan dominated the tournament with a clean sweep, defeating all five opponents including higher-ranked teams like West Indies and Bangladesh.
Ranked ninth in the ICC Women’s ODI standings, Pakistan’s journey to qualification was a showcase of dominance and depth. They kicked off their campaign with a 38-run win against Ireland, followed by a tense 6-wicket chase against Scotland. A thumping 65-run victory over West Indies underlined their credentials, before hammering Thailand by 87 runs and sealing their World Cup berth with a commanding 7-wicket win over Bangladesh.
The young and dynamic squad showed composure and skill throughout the Qualifier, with standout performances across the board. Their ability to adapt, stay focused, and outclass higher-ranked opponents bodes well as they step onto the bigger stage.
As the final countdown to the World Cup begins, Pakistan joins India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh in the elite list of contenders. While political tensions continue to loom large, the Pakistan women’s team is marching forward with clarity, resilience, and belief.
Their refusal to play in India — mirrored by India’s refusal to host them — sets the tone for a World Cup where, beyond cricketing skills, diplomacy and determination will also be under the spotlight.
(Quotes sourced from Pak Passion)
Loves all things female cricket