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Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has reiterated that the women’s cricket team will not travel to India for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, despite India holding the hosting rights for the tournament. Naqvi confirmed that Pakistan will participate under a hybrid model, which means they will play their matches at a neutral venue, as agreed earlier this year.

Naqvi’s statement suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision might be a response to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) not sending a team to the country for the men’s Champions Trophy earlier this year. “Just like India didn’t play in Pakistan in the Champions Trophy and was allowed to play at a neutral venue, whatever venue is decided, we will play. When there is an agreement, it has to be adhered to,” he said, according to PTI.

Pakistan had qualified for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 after winning all five qualifier matches, while Bangladesh also secured a spot for the upcoming tournament. India will host the Women’s World Cup 2025, from September 29 to October 26, with 8 participating teams. 

Earlier this year, the Champions Trophy was held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. However, due to political tensions, India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, resulting in their matches being relocated to Dubai. At that time, India, Pakistan, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) agreed on a hybrid model for the major tournaments held in either country. According to the hybrid model, both India and Pakistan will play their matches at neutral venues if one of the two countries is to host an ICC event until 2027.

India ultimately played all of their matches in the UAE for the Champions Trophy 2025, which sparked some controversy. They were the only team competing entirely at one venue, while the other teams rotated between their assigned venues in Pakistan and the UAE when facing India. At one point, both South Africa and Australia had to travel to Dubai just before the semi-finals, with South Africa returning to Pakistan without playing a game. Thereafter, it was decided that Australia would face India in the semi-finals. Now, we expect that the same agreement to be in place for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

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