Pakistan's Qualification Forces BCCI to Shift Women's World Cup Matches Out of India

Pakistan’s qualification for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 has triggered an unexpected change for the tournament’s host, India. Although the entire World Cup is scheduled to be held in India, Pakistan’s matches will now be shifted to a neutral venue. This adjustment stems from a prior agreement between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), aimed at handling bilateral tensions during global tournaments.

Why Pakistan's Matches Will Be Played Outside India

The Women’s World Cup 2025 will follow a hybrid model, similar to the arrangement made for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Under this format, while the majority of matches will be held in India, all fixtures involving Pakistan will be organized in a different country. This model was agreed upon by both BCCI and PCB in 2023 to avoid direct bilateral encounters on home soil.

The agreement covers three major ICC events: the Champions Trophy 2025, the Women’s World Cup 2025, and the T20 World Cup 2026. Since India and Sri Lanka will co-host the T20 World Cup, managing Pakistan’s matches at a neutral venue is already built into the structure.

Pakistan's Victory Creates Scheduling Challenges

Pakistan secured its spot in the Women’s World Cup after a dominant performance in the qualifier round. The team defeated Thailand by 87 runs, registering its fourth consecutive win and confirming its qualification. While this is a proud moment for Pakistan cricket fans, it has posed logistical complications for BCCI.

Shifting Pakistan’s matches to another country will increase the organizational burden and potentially impact revenue and viewership. Still, the BCCI will go ahead with this model to maintain diplomatic protocols and ensure smooth execution of the tournament.

Seven Teams Confirmed, One Spot Remains

With Pakistan’s entry, seven of the eight teams for the Women’s World Cup 2025 have been finalized. India qualified as host, while Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka booked their places through the ICC Women’s Championship.

The final spot is still up for grabs, with Bangladesh, West Indies, and Scotland in contention. All three teams currently stand at four points each in the ongoing qualifiers. Bangladesh is set to face Pakistan, Scotland will play Ireland, and West Indies will meet Thailand in the final round of matches, which will determine the last qualifier.

A New Chapter in Women’s Cricket

While the hybrid hosting model adds complexity, it also highlights the growing importance and visibility of women's cricket. With stronger teams, competitive qualifiers, and heightened global interest, the 2025 Women’s World Cup promises to be a landmark event in the sport’s history.