[Watch]: Pakistan Opener Gull Feroza Declares Team Won’t Play in India After Pahalgam Attack

The recent terror attack in Pahalgam has once again thrown a wrench into the fragile cricketing ties between India and Pakistan. After a stellar performance in the recently concluded ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, Pakistan secured their spot in the 2025 tournament. Among the standout players was opener Gull Feroza, who featured in three matches during the Qualifier. Following Pakistan’s qualification, Feroza reaffirmed her team’s stance on participating in matches held in India.

Gull Feroza’s Bold Statement

Pakistan women’s cricket team opener, Gull Feroza, didn’t mince her words. In a candid chat with PakPassion, she confirmed Pakistan’s firm decision: they will not travel to India for the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup.

Feroza stated, “We know this much that we will play in Asian conditions and we are not playing in India. This is clear. Neither are we interested in playing in India.”

Backing Feroza’s strong statement, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi had already laid the groundwork earlier. He too had stressed that the women’s team would not participate in matches on Indian soil, regardless of the tournament’s importance.

“So, wherever it is played – hopefully in Sri Lanka or Dubai – those conditions are similar to the ones you get in Asia. The Qualifiers were at home, and the staff prepared tracks accordingly. Wherever the World Cup games are played, the conditions will be similar to those we have at home. So, our preparation will be according to that, and we are ready for that,” she added.

"We're not going to India."

Pakistan opener Gull Feroza firmly states that the team won't play in India.

🎙️ Catch the full post-qualification chat with Gull and others:
https://t.co/8HjU8lTI0R pic.twitter.com/ZqRGxHRbtx

— PakPassion.net (@PakPassion) April 24, 2025

Pakistan’s Route to Qualification

Despite all the off-field drama, Pakistan women’s team performed commendably in the qualifiers, securing their place in the 2025 World Cup. Their victory on the field contrasts sharply with the diplomatic chaos brewing off it. India, set to host the tournament, now faces a new challenge—organizing a global cricket event without full participation unless alternative arrangements are made.

What is the Hybrid Model in Cricket?

Recently, due to similar security and diplomatic concerns, the Asia Cup and the Champions Trophy adopted a hybrid model. India refused to travel to Pakistan, resulting in matches being shifted to neutral venues like Dubai. Following the same model, Pakistan’s matches could be hosted in countries like Sri Lanka or the UAE, ensuring their participation without setting foot in India.

Historical Context of India-Pakistan Sports Rivalry

Politics has often overshadowed sports between India and Pakistan. From canceled bilateral series to players avoiding travel, cricket has sadly mirrored the diplomatic stalemate between the two nations. Big tournaments build fierce rivalries that fans love. Without face-offs between India and Pakistan, a key ingredient of the World Cup’s excitement could be missing.

If this trend continues, future World Cups and other tournaments might increasingly rely on neutral venues, stripping them of their unique local flavors and excitement. The International Cricket Council (ICC) will need to revise its hosting policies and security frameworks to avoid such disruptions in the future.

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