Pakistan Women opener Gull Feroza has said that the team is not eager to play in India, after qualifying for the Women’s World Cup, to be held later this year.
According to the hybrid model approved until 2027 by the ICC, India and Pakistan will play their matches at neutral venues if either country hosts a multi-national event. The system came into place after India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy in February, playing their games in Dubai instead.
India is all set to host the 2025 Women’s World Cup later this year, with Pakistan confirming their place in the tournament after winning all five games in the recent qualifiers. Their presence in India for the edition, however, was all but ruled out, with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirming that the team would not be travelling to the country.
“Just like India didn't play in Pakistan in the Champions Trophy and were allowed to play at a neutral venue [Dubai], whatever venue is decided, we will play [there]," Naqvi said. "When there is an agreement, it has to be adhered to."
The BCCI and the ICC will convene to decide the neutral venue for Pakistan’s games.
Feroza: We do not want to play in India
Feroza, who played three games in the Qualifier as opener, making eight runs, has confirmed the team’s disinterest in playing in India. On being asked about the disadvantage of not knowing the country where Pakistan will play, Feroza, while talking to PakPassion, said: “We know this much that we will play in Asian conditions and we are not playing in India. This is clear. Neither are we interested in playing in India.”
“So, wherever it is played - hopefully in Sri Lanka or Dubai - those conditions are similar to the ones you get in Asia. The Qualifiers were at home, and the staff prepared tracks accordingly. Wherever the World Cup games are played, the conditions will be similar to those we have at home. So, our preparation will be according to that, and we are ready for that.”
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