The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that Pakistan will host the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier from April 9 to 19, with matches scheduled at two prestigious venues in Lahore: Gaddafi Stadium and the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground. The announcement, made on Friday, unveiled the full match schedule for the sixth edition of the tournament, which will see six teams vying for the final two spots in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
The qualifier features a competitive lineup, including four Full Member teams—Bangladesh, Ireland, Pakistan, and the West Indies—alongside Associate Members Scotland and Thailand. The teams will compete in a 15-match league format, with the top two advancing to the World Cup, joining already-qualified teams Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and host nation India. Pakistan to Host ICC Women’s World Cup
Path to Qualification
The participating teams earned their spots through distinct routes. Bangladesh, Ireland, Pakistan, and the West Indies secured their places by finishing seventh to tenth in the ICC Women’s Championship (2022-25), a 10-team competition. Meanwhile, Thailand and Scotland qualified based on their standings in the ICC Women’s ODI Team Rankings as of October 28, 2024.
Key Matchups
The tournament promises exciting clashes, including a high-profile day-night encounter between host nation Pakistan and the West Indies on April 14 at Gaddafi Stadium. Another highlight is the sub-continental showdown between Pakistan and Bangladesh, set for April 19 at the LCCA Ground. Fans can also look forward to Bangladesh facing the West Indies on April 17 at LCCA, showcasing a blend of cricketing styles and rivalries.
Tournament Schedule
The full schedule for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025 is as follows:
- April 9: Pakistan vs Ireland (Gaddafi Stadium, Day, 09:30 am)
- April 10: Thailand vs Bangladesh (LCCA, Day, 09:30 am)
- April 11: Pakistan vs Scotland (LCCA, Day, 09:30 am); Ireland vs West Indies (Gaddafi Stadium, Day, 09:30 am)
- April 13: Scotland vs Thailand (LCCA, Day, 09:30 am); Bangladesh vs Ireland (Gaddafi Stadium, D/N, 02:00 pm)
- April 14: Pakistan vs West Indies (Gaddafi Stadium, D/N, 02:00 pm)
- April 15: Thailand vs Ireland (LCCA, Day, 09:30 am); Scotland vs Bangladesh (Gaddafi Stadium, D/N, 02:00 pm)
- April 17: Bangladesh vs West Indies (LCCA, Day, 09:30 am); Pakistan vs Thailand (Gaddafi Stadium, D/N, 02:00 pm)
- April 18: Ireland vs Scotland (Gaddafi Stadium, D/N, 02:00 pm)
- April 19: Pakistan vs Bangladesh (LCCA, Day, 09:30 am); West Indies vs Thailand (Gaddafi Stadium, D/N, 02:00 pm)
ICC’s Enthusiasm
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice expressed his excitement about the event, stating, “We are pleased to announce the match schedule for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025. The six competing teams are just one step away from the Women’s Cricket World Cup, and I am sure they will all be eagerly looking forward to the competition.”
Allardice added, “On behalf of the ICC, I would like to wish the teams all the best for the tournament in Lahore as part of the build-up to the Cricket World Cup later this year.”
A Milestone for Pakistan
Hosting the qualifier marks a significant moment for Pakistan as it continues to establish itself as a key destination for international cricket. With Gaddafi Stadium and the LCCA Ground set to welcome players and fans, the event underscores Lahore’s rich cricketing heritage and Pakistan’s commitment to promoting women’s cricket on the global stage.
As the countdown to April begins, anticipation is building for what promises to be a thrilling tournament, with the world’s top emerging women’s cricket teams battling for a coveted World Cup berth.
