As the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 unfolds in Lahore, it’s not just about cricket. Players from across the globe are experiencing Pakistan beyond the boundaries—through its food, culture, and legendary hospitality.
With matches hosted at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium and the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground, six teams—Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, and Thailand—are battling it out for the final two spots in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
While competition is fierce, the warmth of the host nation has left a deep impression on visiting players. Four captains—Hayley Matthews, Sarah Bryce, Orla Prendergast, and Naruemol Chaiwai—shared their cultural encounters during their stay.
West Indies captain Hayley Matthews expressed her joy after exploring the local culture during a visit through one of Lahore’s historical mosques. “It’s been pretty cool to learn about Pakistan’s culture and history—it’s very different from what we’re used to back in the Caribbean,” she said.
The guided tour included tales of Princess Diana’s visit and the famous Sheesh Mahal, or mirror room, which fascinated the players. But the day didn’t end there. “To top it off with a really good meal, especially trying some local food even though there were western options, was such a cool experience.”
Scotland skipper Sarah Bryce found the cultural immersion in Lahore truly special. “It’s been fantastic seeing the historical sites and getting a small taste of what this city offers,” she said. What stood out to her most was the vibrant music and dancing, which she described as unlike anything back home.
“The food has been amazing—I really enjoyed the Puri with Chicken Korma,” she added. She was also deeply moved by the hospitality. “Everyone here is so warm and proud of their culture. It’s been very memorable.”
Irish captain Orla Prendergast reflected on her team’s cultural experience, which included dance performances, historical explorations, and flavorful meals. “Some of the girls had been here before, but we still learned a lot about the history and saw so many new things,” she said.
While the food was “a lot spicier than we’re used to,” she emphasized how important it was for them to embrace new cultures. “Whenever we travel, we like to immerse ourselves in the local experience. Everyone has been so kind—it truly feels like a welcoming place to play cricket.”
Thailand’s captain Naruemol Chaiwai shared her heartfelt admiration for the experience, calling it “a beautiful story” she’ll carry home. “Everything about this place is lovely—the people, the vibe, the support we’ve received,” she said. It felt like more than just a cricket tour—it was a cultural awakening.
“I want to share this experience with my friends and family in Thailand. It even reminded me a bit of India in spirit.” On the cricketing front, Chaiwai acknowledged that her team lacks experience in the 50-over format but sees this as a vital opportunity to grow. “We came here with a goal—to qualify for the World Cup. This tournament means a lot to us.”
As the qualifiers heat up, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and West Indies have each played two matches. Bangladesh and Pakistan remain unbeaten, while West Indies have one win and one loss. Scotland have been competitive, with two wins from three matches. Ireland, despite playing three games, are yet to register a victory. Thailand, too, are winless after two outings.
With only two World Cup spots up for grabs, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The winners of this qualifier will join cricketing giants Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and hosts India in the grand stage later this year. While cricket remains the heartbeat of this tour, the off-field memories being made in Pakistan are ones that these players will treasure for a lifetime.
Loves all things female cricket