Following the release of their schedule, the Pakistan women’s cricket team has formally decided not to go to India for the Women’s ODI World Cup. As the World Cup makes its first appearance in India since 2013, Pakistan’s matches will take place entirely at a neutral location using a specially designed hybrid format that takes into account the two countries’ continuing political sensitivities.
Despite geopolitical obstacles, Pakistan’s participation in the tournament is guaranteed under the hybrid agreement that was formed between the PCB and the BCCI. The PCB retaliated by announcing that its women’s squad would not visit India when India decided not to send its men’s team to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Pakistan’s Women’s ODI World Cup Schedule:
| Date | Opponent |
| Oct 2 | Bangladesh |
| Oct 5 | India |
| Oct 8 | Australia |
| Oct 15 | England |
| Oct 18 | New Zealand |
| Oct 21 | South Africa |
| Oct 24 | Sri Lanka |
Consequently, all of Pakistan’s Women’s ODI World Cup matches, including their match against fierce rivals India on October 5, will be held in Colombo.
All of these games are important, but none more so than the match versus India on October 5. It is the tournament’s main event and will now take place at a neutral location, which could add a new level of drama to one of the most intense rivalries in the sport.
Every game matters since there are eight teams participating in a round-robin system, and the top four advance to the semi-finals. To stay in the running for the knockout stages, Pakistan will have to defeat at least four of the six teams with higher rankings they will be playing.
According to the ICC’s contingency plan to maintain neutrality, they would advance to the semi-final in Colombo on October 29 if they placed in the top four.
Depending on who qualifies, the final, which is scheduled for November 2, may also be held in Colombo rather than Bengaluru.
After making the long journey to the Women’s ODI World Cup, Fatima Sana’s team will be hopeful of upending the status quo against the world’s biggest names. The women’s ODI squad will want to perform at their highest level as the competition approaches and their route to success becomes more apparent.
