In a bold twist to the ongoing saga of international cricket, Pakistan’s women’s cricket team might soon be playing their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 matches in the glitzy city of Dubai, far from the bustling grounds of India. With political tensions continuing to simmer between Pakistan and India, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made it clear that the women’s team will not tour India for the prestigious tournament. This comes as part of a wider arrangement that limits the movement of teams between the two nations due to their ongoing geopolitical issues.
However, Dubai, a city with a rich history of hosting major cricket events, could serve as a neutral playing field for the upcoming World Cup. The team has already proven their comfort in the UAE, having played numerous matches there during their years of isolation between 2010-2020. The PCB has hinted at Dubai being the ideal venue, both for its geographical proximity and the presence of a large expatriate community that could fuel excitement and support for the matches. Additionally, the decision will fall to India, the host nation, as per the “fusion formula” agreement, which gives the hosts the power to decide on the neutral venue in cases of strained relations.
The prospect of playing in Dubai could offer Pakistan’s women a chance to showcase their skills on a global stage while fostering deeper ties with the region. But with the official decision still pending, speculation is mounting as to where the matches will take place. Will it be Dubai, or will India’s Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) look elsewhere, like Sri Lanka, for a more cost-effective alternative? With so many eyes on the situation, the outcome will undoubtedly shape the tournament’s dynamics, all while reinforcing cricket’s role as a bridge across borders—even in the face of political challenges.
