Pakistan's Women Cricket World Cup Qualification An Issue For India And BCCI. Here's Why
NDTV
Pakistan on Thursday booked their place in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 that is set to be hosted by India.
Pakistan on Thursday booked their place in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025. The team managed to seal a spot for itself following a comprehensive 67-run victory over Thailand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Pakistan have now won all four of their matches in the qualifying tournament, entering the final round with a perfect record. They became the the first team to qualify from the six-nation qualifier that also featured Bangladesh, West Indies, Ireland, Scotland and Thailand. Notably, the top-two finishing teams from the event are set to earn tickets for the Cricket World Cup that takes place in India in September-November.
Pakistan's qualification, however, has increased the logistical challenges for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the nation as well.
As Women's World Cup is set to be hosted by India this year, Pakistan's participation means that the BCCI will have to host Pakistan's matches outside, at a "neutral venue". Not only for the Indian board, but it is also a challenge for Indian fans as the India vs Pakistan match (matches) will be held outside the host nation.
Notably, this neutral venue agreement was made between the nations after India decided not to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, held in February-March this year.
Pakistan was not happy with India's decision but the International Cricket Council (ICC) managed to get both the parties in line with a balanced verdict last year. The Board confirmed that matches between India and Pakistan in the ICC events till 2027 will be played at neutral venues.
The ICC's decision applied to the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 (hosted by Pakistan), as well as upcoming events - the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 (hosted by India) and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 (hosted by India and Sri Lanka).
