Pakistan's Preference for Dubai as Host for 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup Matches
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Synopsis
The Pakistan women's cricket team is advocating for Dubai as their neutral venue for the upcoming ICC Women's ODI World Cup. This choice is influenced by their past experiences in the UAE and ongoing political dynamics with India, which affects venue selection.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan women's team prefers Dubai for the World Cup.
- Political tensions affect venue choices.
- PCB chairman confirms no tour to India.
- Significant improvement under head coach Mohammad Waseem.
- Pakistan's historical performance in World Cups.
New Delhi, April 20 (NationPress) The players and management of the Pakistan women's cricket team are advocating for Dubai to serve as their neutral venue for the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup scheduled for later this year.
According to a senior official from the PCB, "The Pakistan women's team is eager to play in Dubai since they have substantial experience competing in the United Arab Emirates, which hosted them during their isolation from 2010 to 2020," as reported by www.telecomasia.net.
While the Pakistan Cricket Board has chosen Dubai for its favorable location, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to favor Sri Lanka due to better accessibility.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi firmly stated on Saturday that the women's team will not visit India for the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 in accordance with the "fusion formula" agreed upon before the men's Champions Trophy 2025.
"Based on the agreements made prior to the Champions Trophy, our women's team is also excluded from touring India, and the selection of a neutral venue falls to the host, India," Naqvi clarified.
According to this arrangement, India and Pakistan will avoid touring each other's territories for any ICC events until the tournament cycle concludes in 2027, opting for neutral venues due to the ongoing political tensions between the neighboring countries.
India successfully hosted its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, where they emerged victorious, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament.
The Pakistan women's team has demonstrated significant improvement under head coach Mohammad Waseem, who persevered despite an eight-month delay in finalizing his contract.
They achieved victory in all five matches, triumphing over formidable opponents such as the West Indies and Bangladesh to secure their qualification.
Historically, the Pakistan women's team struggled to qualify for the initial five editions of the Women's ODI World Cup, finishing last in their first appearance. However, their best performance came in the 2009 World Cup held in Australia, where they secured a fifth-place finish among eight teams, advancing to the Super Six stage.
In the last three editions, the Pakistan women's team finished in the eighth and last position.
