PCB Curtails National Women’s Championship 2024-25 After Fire Incident

The National Women’s Championship 2024-25, a cornerstone of Pakistan’s women’s cricket calendar, faced an abrupt halt due to a fire incident at the team hotel in Karachi. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), prioritizing player safety, made the difficult decision to suspend the tournament mid-way, reshaping its outcome and stirring conversations about safety in sports events.

What Happened at the Team Hotel?

On Monday, November 18, a fire broke out at the hotel where five teams and tournament officials were accommodated. The PCB had reserved an entire floor to house around 100 participants, ensuring proximity to the event venues. Fortunately, the fire was contained without any injuries to players or staff, thanks to swift evacuation efforts by PCB officials.

Acting promptly, the PCB evacuated all players and staff to safety and relocated them to the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre. The board emphasized that the health and safety of players were their utmost priority, and their quick actions reflected this commitment.

The fire incident disrupted the fifth-round matches scheduled for the day. Four teams were mid-game, while another team, the Strikers, was engaged in a training session. With no immediate alternative accommodations meeting the required standards, the PCB had no choice but to curtail the tournament.

PCB’s Official Statement

The PCB’s official statement shed light on the difficult decision to truncate the championship. They cited two primary reasons: the health and safety of players and the unavailability of suitable accommodations.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to curtail the National Women’s One-Day Tournament 2024-25 in Karachi following a fire incident at the team hotel. Fortunately, no players were injured, as the PCB promptly evacuated the five players in the hotel at the time of the incident and relocated them safely to the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre,” PCB said in a statement.

Determining the Tournament Winner

With the tournament abruptly shortened, the PCB decided to base the final matchup on the points table standings after four rounds. The Invincibles, leading with an undefeated streak, were set to face the Stars, who secured second place with three wins. The remaining teams—Conquerors, Strikers, and Challengers—occupied the subsequent spots.

“To determine the tournament winner, the PCB has decided that the Invincibles and the Stars – the top two teams after four matches each – will face off in the final. The date and venue for the final will be announced in due course,” the PCB said.

Looking forward, the PCB is likely to prioritize infrastructure improvements and establish stricter safety standards for future events. Their efforts to uplift women’s cricket in Pakistan remain steadfast, and this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding players at every step.