Pakistan Team Won't Travel To India For ICC ODI World Cup

Lahore: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that Pakistan women's team won't be travelling to India for the ODI World Cup later this year and will play their matches at a neutral venue, following the hybrid model accepted earlier this year.

When Pakistan hosted the ICC Champions Trophy recently, the BCCI had refused to send the Indian team across the border due to diplomatic tension between the two nations and their matches were held in Dubai.

A hybrid model was agreed upon that allowed both India and Pakistan to play their matches at neutral venues if one of the two countries was to host an ICC event. "Just like India didn't play in Pakistan in the Champions Trophy and were allowed to play at a neutral venue, whatever venue is decided, we will play. When there is an agreement, it has to be adhered to," he said.

The PCB chief said India and ICC, being the hosts of the tournament, would decide on the neutral venue. India will host the tournament from September 29 to October 26, with Australia being the defending champions.

Naqvi also expressed satisfaction over the impressive manner in which the Pakistan women's team qualified for the World Cup. Pakistan secured victories in all five matches in the Qualifiers held in Lahore. They beat Ireland, Scotland, West Indies, Thailand and Bangladesh to qualify to join hosts India, England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Sri Lanka have already qualified.

"The team showed how to take home advantage and play like a collective unit. I am happy that women's cricket is doing well now,” he said.

He added the PCB would definitely announce a special reward for the women's team for their outstanding performance. Naqvi also said that he was happy that the PCB had hosted another ICC event successfully after the Champions Trophy.