Pakistan to play Women's Cricket World Cup games in Sri Lanka amid tensions with India

In a significant development in international cricket, Pakistan is set to play its matches at the Women's Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka later this year, following the announcement of a hybrid hosting model by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The tournament, which is scheduled to take place from September 30 to November 2, will see Pakistan and several other teams contest in a format that requires neutral venues due to ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan. Cricketing authorities confirmed that Colombo will be one of the venues, allowing Pakistan to avoid playing in India, the original host country. The decision for Pakistan to participate in Sri Lanka comes after increased military conflicts and strained relations between the two neighboring countries, particularly following recent violence in the Kashmir region. With the last military engagement being a four-day conflict, it was imperative for both teams to find a neutral ground for matches to ensure player safety and to uphold the spirit of international cricket. In a similar situation previously observed in the men’s Champions Trophy, where India chose not to travel to Pakistan, the ICC has opted for a model that provides alternatives to avoid direct contests in hostile environments. Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium is set to host several of Pakistan's matches as it joins four Indian venues—M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, ACA Stadium, Holkar Stadium, and ACA-VDCA Stadium—in staging the tournament. Matches will run through October, concluding with the final on November 2. If Pakistan qualifies, they could play at alternate venues identified for the semi-finals and final, showcasing the deep connection between international sporting events and the political landscape of the participating nations. The World Cup will feature eight teams, including defending champions Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and the host nation Sri Lanka, making it a truly competitive event despite the logistical challenges posed by the ongoing political situation. This hybrid approach aims to ensure the integrity of the tournament while navigating current tensions, allowing teams like Pakistan to compete under fair conditions without compromising the safety of players and officials.