Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday (April 19) confirmed that their women's team will not travel to India for the ICC Cricket World Cup later this year and play their matches at a neutral venue.

Earlier this year, BCCI had refused to send its team across the border for the ICC Champions Trophy after not getting an approval from the Indian government. As a result, all of India’s matches were held in Dubai and they won the showpiece event without losing a match.

A hybrid model was agreed upon that allowed India to play their matches in Dubai. Apart from the Champions Trophy, the hybrid model was also adopted for global events in India till 2027, which means Pakistan will also be able to play their multi-nation tournament matches at a neutral venue.

“Just like India didn't play in Pakistan in the Champions Trophy and were allowed to play at a neutral venue, whatever venue is decided, we will play. When there is an agreement it has to be adhered to," Naqvi said, as quoted by PTI.

The PCB chief further stated that India and ICC being the hosts of the tournament would decide on the neutral venue. India are scheduled to host the marquee event from September 29 to October 26.

Naqvi also expressed satisfaction over the impressive manner in which Pakistan women's team qualified for the World Cup.

Pakistan ended up winning all their five matches in the Qualifiers held in Lahore. They defeated Ireland, Scotland, West Indies, Thailand and Bangladesh to qualify smoothly for the main round for which hosts India, England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Sri Lanka have already qualified.

"The team showed how to take home advantage and play like a collective unit. I am happy that women's cricket is doing well now,” he said.

Naqvi also said he was happy that the PCB had hosted another ICC event successfully after the Champions Trophy.

(With PTI Inputs)