Pakistan Women Skip India WC, Play in Sri Lanka Instead

In a significant move in the world of women’s cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially confirmed that the Pakistan Women’s National Team will not travel to India for the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. Instead, the team will play all of its scheduled World Cup matches in Sri Lanka.

• Pakistan Women’s team will skip the India tour for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

• All matches to be played in Sri Lanka under ICC-approved arrangements.

• The decision was influenced by security concerns and strained diplomatic relations.

• Affects group fixtures and potential knockouts involving Pakistan.

• ICC is to ensure fair play and equal opportunity for all teams.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement clarifying the team’s stance. They mentioned that after careful discussion with government officials and the ICC, it was concluded that Pakistan would not send its women’s team to India, citing ongoing political issues and security risks.

“The safety and well-being of our players is our top priority. After evaluating all factors, we have decided to host our matches at a neutral venue — Sri Lanka,” said a PCB spokesperson.

Pakistan’s decision not to travel to India is not new in cricketing history. Similar situations have occurred in men’s cricket, most recently in the 2023 Asia Cup, where India refused to visit Pakistan, and matches were hosted in Sri Lanka as a neutral venue.

• Geopolitical tensions between the two nations.

• Security concerns have been raised over the safety of the women’s team.

• Lack of assurance for uninterrupted travel and match safety in India.

• Request for neutral venue approved by ICC to maintain fairness.

Sri Lanka has often acted as a neutral host for subcontinent rivalries. The island nation is seen as a politically safe, cricket-friendly country with well-established stadiums and facilities.

• Top-tier cricket infrastructure, including stadiums in Colombo, Galle, and Kandy.

• Easy travel arrangements from Pakistan.

• Safer environment approved by ICC.

• Strong cricketing ties with both Pakistan and India.

This decision will reshape the group stages and match logistics for the tournament. Teams scheduled to play against Pakistan will also travel to Sri Lanka.

• Changes in match scheduling and venue logistics.

• Increased cost for teams traveling to Sri Lanka instead of staying in India.

• Broadcasting crews may face challenges in managing dual-location coverage.

• Fans may need to make additional travel plans for live match attendance.

The rivalry between India and Pakistan is one of the most heated in the world of cricket. However, due to political reasons, the two nations have not played a bilateral series for years.

• India didn’t visit Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup.

• Pakistan refused to travel to India for the 2025 Women’s World Cup.

• ICC and ACC have managed by splitting venues or choosing neutral grounds.

The ICC has acknowledged Pakistan's concerns and greenlit the venue change, marking yet another instance where cricket and politics have collided.

“We respect every nation’s sovereign decisions. Our focus remains on ensuring a smooth and competitive World Cup experience,” said an ICC official.

This is not just a cricket decision — it's a powerful statement on regional relations, sports diplomacy, and the evolving dynamics of international tournaments. While fans will miss the chance to see Pakistan’s Women’s Team play in Indian stadiums, the commitment to player safety and fair play must be respected.