Sports News
Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team to Withdraw from Travel to India for ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Pakistan, 19th April 2025: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced that the Pakistan women’s cricket team will not travel to India to participate in the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup later this year. Instead, in line with the hybrid model agreed earlier this year, the team will play their matches at a neutral venue. The announcement, made by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday, follows the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. This decision mirrors the precedent set during the recent ICC Champions Trophy, when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had declined to send the Indian team to Pakistan, citing political considerations. In that instance, all matches were relocated to Dubai. Under the hybrid model, it has been agreed that both India and Pakistan will play their respective matches at neutral venues if one of the two nations is hosting an ICC event. This approach was adopted to ensure the continuity of international tournaments while acknowledging the complex geopolitical dynamics between the two countries. The decision follows thorough consultations with relevant stakeholders, and although the specific neutral venue has not yet been disclosed, the PCB has assured that further details will be provided as the event approaches. The hybrid model, which was formalised earlier this year, remains the preferred solution for both the PCB and BCCI, allowing international competitions to proceed smoothly despite the diplomatic challenges. This arrangement ensures that the integrity of the tournament is upheld while mitigating potential disruptions. The Pakistan women’s team will continue their preparations for the World Cup, with the PCB reaffirming its commitment to providing all necessary support to the players as they prepare for the tournament. |
