Pakistan women team won’t travel to India for WC 2025: Naqvi

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has firmly stated that the Pakistan women’s cricket team will not travel to India for the 2025 Women’s World Cup scheduled for later this year, citing the previously established “Fusion Formula.”

Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, made these remarks on Saturday while visiting Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground to congratulate the national women’s team on their unbeaten run in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier. Pakistan had just completed their perfect campaign with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh.

“Pakistan will not travel to India as this formula has already been agreed upon,” Naqvi told journalists at the ground. When questioned about potential neutral venues for Pakistan’s World Cup matches, he indicated that the decision rests with the host nation but emphasised that Pakistan’s stance remains firm against travelling to India.

The “Fusion Formula” referenced by Naqvi was implemented earlier this year ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy and appears to be guiding Pakistan’s policy on cricket tours to India.

Pakistan secured their spot in the World Cup with an impressive 87-run win against Thailand on Thursday before cementing their unbeaten qualification campaign with today’s victory over Bangladesh.

Pakistan complete unbeaten run with dominant win over Bangladesh

Pakistan women’s cricket team completed their flawless campaign in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025 with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh at the LCCA Ground on Friday, sending a powerful message to their future World Cup opponents.

The hosts maintained their perfect record in the tournament with their fifth consecutive win, showcasing an impressive all-round performance that has established them as a formidable force heading into the main event.

After Bangladesh elected to bat first, Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal (3-28), systematically dismantled their opponents’ batting lineup. Fast bowlers Diana Baig and Fatima Sana contributed with identical figures of 2-45, while Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sandhu picked up one wicket each.

Bangladesh struggled from the outset, losing three wickets during the mandatory powerplay while managing just 32 runs. Despite a fighting 48 from Ritu Moni and an unbeaten 44 from Fahima Khatun, Bangladesh could only muster 178-9 in their allocated 50 overs. Sharmin Akhter (24), Nahida Akter (19), and Dilara Akter (13) were the only other batters to reach double figures.

Pakistan’s chase began cautiously but decisively, with opener Muneeba Ali anchoring the innings with a composed 69. She formed a crucial 50-run second-wicket partnership with Sidra Amin, who contributed a solid 33 runs.

After reaching 50 from 67 deliveries with seven boundaries, Muneeba continued to build momentum before falling with victory in sight. Aliya Riaz then took center stage, smashing six boundaries and a six in her unbeaten 52 off 65 balls. Her 50-run partnership with Muneeba for the third wicket effectively sealed Bangladesh’s fate.

Natalia Pervaiz provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 13 as Pakistan reached their target with more than 10 overs to spare, closing at 181-3 in 39.4 overs.

Bangladesh’s bowlers Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter, and Rabeya Khan managed one wicket each but could do little to stem Pakistan’s methodical approach to the run chase.

With this victory, Pakistan have emerged as one of the strongest teams from the qualifier tournament, serving notice to their competitors ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. Their unbeaten qualification campaign, characterized by clinical bowling performances and consistent batting, suggests they will be a team to watch when the main tournament begins.