'Women's team not to play in India'

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is determined to give tough time to BCCI and India for treating Pak Cricket unfairly. PHOTO: AFP

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Friday that the national women's cricket team will not travel to India for the upcoming ICC Women's World Cup, in line with an existing agreement between the boards. Speaking to reporters after meeting with the women's team at Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi said, "The Pakistan women's team will not go to India as per the agreement. India is the host, they will decide where to hold the matches."

He reiterated Pakistan's stance, saying the team is willing to compete at any neutral venue except India.

The statement comes amid ongoing tensions over bilateral cricket ties. India had refused to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, and played its matches at a neutral venue, a model previously used during the 2023 Asia Cup.

Following months of negotiations, both boards agreed on a hybrid model to resolve the deadlock. According to ESPNcricinfo, the model allows India to play at neutral venues for ICC tournaments hosted by Pakistan, and vice versa.

"This agreement applied to the 2025 men's Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the 2025 women's ODI World Cup in India, and the 2026 men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka," the report said.

Under the arrangement, neutral venues are proposed by the host board and must be approved by the ICC.

India went on to win the tournament, having played all its games in Dubai, while Pakistan hosted the rest of the fixtures.

Commenting on team performance, Naqvi praised the women's squad for playing as a unit and said they would be rewarded.

"When a team plays together, results like this follow. These players deserve rewards - it's their right," he said.

He noted that recent improvements followed minor changes within the squad and said similar progress is expected in the Under-19 and Shaheens (Pakistan A) teams.

On broader cricket matters, Naqvi said key decisions regarding the men's national team would be made soon. He confirmed that Aqib Javed was temporarily asked to take on a coaching role in an interim capacity.

"It was a temporary decision. We'll review this matter again next week," he added.

Naqvi declined to comment on reports of Mohammad Rizwan's dissatisfaction over limited decision-making powers. Earlier in the day, the PCB chief met with the women's team and congratulated them on their recent performances.

We will not play with Pakistan: Rajeev Shukla

Following the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, which claimed the lives of at least 26 innocent tourists, strong reactions have emerged across India - including from the cricketing community.

Among those responding was BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, who made it clear that India will not play any bilateral cricket series with Pakistan.

The bilateral cricket ties between India and Pakistan have been suspended for years due to diplomatic tensions, and Shukla's comments further confirm that resumption is unlikely in the near future.

"We are with the victims, and we condemn it," Shukla told a local news channel.

"Whatever our government will say, will do. We don't play with Pakistan in bilateral series because of the government's stand. And we will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals going forward. But when it comes to ICC event, we play due to ICC engagement. ICC is also aware whatever is happening," he added.

India and Pakistan last played a bilateral series in 2012-13. Since then, the two sides have only faced each other in ICC and ACC tournaments - including the most recent meeting at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia also issued a statement, condemning the attack and offering condolences to the victims' families.

"The cricketing community is deeply shocked and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent lives in the gruesome terror attack at Pahalgam yesterday. On behalf of the BCCI, while condemning this ghastly and cowardly act with the strongest possible words, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the departed souls. In sharing their pain and grief, we stand hand in hand at this hour of tragedy," Saikia said.

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