ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Women’s cricket team opener, Gull Feroza, has said that the team has no interest in playing in India, despite having secured qualification for the Women’s World Cup set to take place later this year.
Under the hybrid model approved by the ICC through to 2027, India and Pakistan are scheduled to play their fixtures at neutral venues when either nation is hosting a multi-nation tournament.
This arrangement was introduced after India declined to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy in February, opting to play their matches in Dubai instead.
India is due to host the 2025 Women’s World Cup later this year, with Pakistan having sealed their place after winning all five matches in the recent qualifying event.
However, their participation on Indian soil appears highly unlikely, with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stating that the team will not be travelling to India.
“Just as India didn’t play in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy and were permitted to play at a neutral venue [Dubai], we will do the same,” said Naqvi. “An agreement has been reached, and it must be upheld.”
Finalising venue
ICC is expected to meet to finalise a neutral venue for Pakistan’s fixtures.
Feroza: We are not interested in playing in India.
Feroza, who featured in three matches as an opener during the qualifiers, confirmed the team’s lack of interest in playing in India.
Speaking to the media, she said, “We are certain that we will be playing in Asian conditions and not in India. That much is clear. We have no desire to play in India.”
“Wherever the matches are held – ideally Sri Lanka or Dubai – those conditions are similar to what we experience in Asia.
The qualifiers were hosted at home, and the staff prepared the pitches accordingly. Wherever the World Cup games take place, the conditions will be familiar. We will tailor our preparation to suit that, and we are fully ready.”
