Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) president Mohsin Naqvi announced on Saturday that their women’s team will not go to India for the ICC ODI World Cup later this year and will play their matches at a neutral site, following the hybrid model accepted earlier this year.
Recently, when Pakistan hosted the ICC Champions Trophy, the Cricket Board of India (BCCI) refused to send the Indian team across the border due to diplomatic tension between the two countries and their matches were played in Dubai. The hybrid model was agreed, under which both will be allowed to play their matches at the neutral venue in case of hosting ICC competitions of India and Pakistan.
Naqvi said, “Just as the Bharat Champions Trophy did not play in Pakistan and was allowed to play at the neutral site, we will play there. When there is an agreement, it has to be followed. ”The PCB chief said that being the host of the tournament, India and the International Cricket Council (ICC) will decide at the neutral site. India will host the tournament to be held from 29 September to 26 October in which Australia is the last winner.
Naqvi also expressed satisfaction over the effective way of Pakistan’s women’s team qualifying for the World Cup. Pakistan won all their five matches in a qualifier held in Lahore. He easily qualified for the main round by defeating Ireland, Scotland, West Indies, Thailand and Bangladesh for which hosts India, England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Sri Lanka have already qualified.
Naqvi said, “The team showed how to take advantage of domestic conditions and how to play like a unit. I am glad that the women’s cricket team is doing well. ”She said that the PCB will definitely announce a special award for the women’s team in view of their outstanding performance. Naqvi also said that he is happy that PCB successfully hosted another ICC competition after the Champions Trophy.
