Pakistan to play Women’s World Cup matches in Sri Lanka amid India tensions

New Delhi: Pakistan will play all their matches at this year’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka, as part of an arrangement by the International Cricket Council (ICC) that allows the team to avoid playing in host nation India.

This move follows India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the men’s Champions Trophy earlier this year, prompting the ICC to establish neutral venues for tournaments hosted by either country. The decision comes in the wake of heightened political tensions, which escalated into a four-day military conflict last month -- the worst between the nuclear-armed neighbours since 1999 -- before a ceasefire was agreed.

Colombo will serve as Pakistan’s base during the tournament, hosting all seven of their group stage fixtures. Meanwhile, India will co-host the event, with matches also scheduled in Bengaluru, Guwahati, Indore and Visakhapatnam. The tournament will run from 30 September to 2 November.

Should Pakistan qualify for the knockout stages, Colombo will also serve as a potential venue for the first semi-final on 29 October. The second semi-final will be held in Bengaluru on 30 October. The final, set for 2 November, could be staged either in Bengaluru or Colombo, depending on Pakistan’s progression.

“The venues for the knockouts are dependent on Pakistan qualifying,” the ICC confirmed in a statement. “Two alternative venues have been identified for one semi-final and the final.”

Eight teams will compete in the 50-over tournament: Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka.

Australia are the defending champions, having defeated England by 71 runs in the 2022 final held in New Zealand.