Pakistan hosts Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualifier from April 9

Pakistan women cricket team huddled during a game. — PCB/File

LAHORE: Pakistan is set to host the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier, with the tournament starting on April 9.

Six teams will battle for the remaining two spots in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, which will take place later this year in India. The qualifiers will join Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and India, who have already secured their places. Australia will be defending their title, having won the previous tournament in 2022.

The six teams competing in the Qualifier are Pakistan (Hosts), West Indies (2013 runners-up), Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland and Thailand

Pakistan, Bangladesh, West Indies, and Ireland finished as the bottom four teams in the 2022-2025 ICC Women’s Championship, meaning they must go through the Qualifier to secure a spot in the main event. Scotland and Thailand qualified based on their rankings in the ICC Women’s ODI Team Rankings.

The matches will be played at two key locations in Lahore; the Gaddafi Stadium (GSL), one of Pakistan’s most iconic cricket venues, that hosted several matches in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, including a semi-final.

Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground: This will be the first time the LCCA ground will host an international women’s cricket match.

The tournament will follow a round-robin format, where each team will play every other team once. A victory will earn two points. After all 15 matches are completed, the top two teams on the points table will qualify for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

Thailand will be aiming to qualify for their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, while Bangladesh seeks to make their second appearance, having debuted in 2022.

With strong teams competing and high stakes involved, the tournament promises to be an exciting battle for qualification. Cricket fans around the world will be watching closely as the teams fight for their chance to play in India later this year.

April 9: Pakistan vs. Ireland at Gaddafi Stadium, and West Indies vs. Scotland at LCCA.

April 10: Thailand begins its campaign against Bangladesh.

April 19: The final group-stage match between Thailand and West Indies at Gaddafi Stadium.

Squads

Bangladesh: Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter, Ishma Tanjim, Dilara Akter, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Jannatul Ferdus Sumona, Rabeya, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Farzana Haque, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Marufa Akter, Ritu Moni.

Ireland: Gaby Lewis (c), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Kia McCartney, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast.

Pakistan: Fatima Sana (c), Najiha Alvi, Gull Feroza, Sidra Amin, Omaima Sohail, Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sundhu, Muneeba Ali, Rameen Shamim, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Syeda Aroob Shah, Natalia Parvaiz, Sidra Nawaz

Scotland: Kathryn Bryce (c), Chloe Abel, Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Sarah Bryce, Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, Katherine Fraser, Ailsa Lister, Abtaha Maqsood, Megan McColl, Hannah Rainey, Nayma Sheikh, Rachel Slater, Pippa Sproul, Ellen Watson.

Thailand: Naruemol Chaiwai (c), Sunida Chaturongrattana, Nannapat Khoncharoenkai, Suleeporn Laomi, Suwanan Khiaoto, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Natthakan Chantham, Nannaphat Chaihan, Chanida Sutthiruang, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Nattaya Boochatham, Chayanisa Phengpaen, Phannita Maya, Rosenanee Kanoh, Thipatcha Putthawong.

West Indies: Hayley Matthews (c), Shemaine Campbelle, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams.

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