The Women’s World Cup will be hosted by India from 29 September to 26 October.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi made a big announcement on Saturday. He has announced that his women’s team will not travel to India for the ICC ODI World Cup later this year and will play its matches at a neutral venue, following the hybrid model accepted earlier this year. Recently, when Pakistan hosted the ICC Champions Trophy, the Indian Cricket Board refused to send the Indian team to Pakistan due to diplomatic tensions between the two countries and Team India played all its matches in Dubai.
Mohsin Naqvi is adamant on bringing the hybrid model
A hybrid model was agreed upon under which both India and Pakistan will be allowed to play their matches at neutral venues in case they host an ICC tournament. Naqvi said, “Just like India did not play in Pakistan in the Champions Trophy and was allowed to play at a neutral venue, we will play at whatever neutral venue is decided. When there is an agreement, it has to be followed.” The PCB chief said that being the hosts of the tournament, India and the International Cricket Council (ICC) will decide on the neutral venue.
Naqvi said, “The team showed how to take advantage of home conditions and how to play as a unit. I am happy that the women’s cricket team is performing well.” He said that the PCB will definitely announce a special award for the women’s team in view of their excellent performance. Naqvi also said that he is happy that the PCB successfully hosted another ICC tournament after the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan qualifies for Women’s World Cup
India will host the tournament from September 29 to October 26. Naqvi also expressed satisfaction over the impressive manner in which Pakistan women’s team qualified for the World Cup. Pakistan won all their five matches in the qualifiers held in Lahore. They defeated Ireland, Scotland, West Indies, Thailand and Bangladesh to easily qualify for the tournament for which hosts India, England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Sri Lanka have already qualified.
