The countdown is on for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers, set to take place in Pakistan from April 9 to 19, 2025. Six teams will battle it out for the final two spots in the prestigious Women’s Cricket World Cup later this year. With the tournament slogan echoing the spirit of competition and opportunity, this edition promises excitement, drama, and an essential showcase of talent.
The participating teams include Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, and Thailand. This particular qualifier tournament is a significant second chance for the bottom four ranked teams from the 2022-2025 ICC Women’s Championship—Bangladesh, West Indies, Pakistan, and Ireland. Joining them are Scotland and Thailand, who secured their berths as the next best-ranked teams in the ICC Women’s ODI Team Rankings.
The tournament will kick off with a day match between Pakistan and Ireland at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Anticipation is high for these budding athletes, and the competition will follow a round-robin format. This means every team will play each other, with a win earning them two valuable points.
The matches will unfold as follows:
- April 9: Pakistan vs. Ireland at Gaddafi Stadium; West Indies vs. Scotland at LCCA;
- April 10: Thailand vs. Bangladesh at LCCA;
- April 11: Pakistan vs. Scotland at LCCA; Ireland vs. West Indies at Gaddafi Stadium;
- April 13: Scotland vs. Thailand at LCCA; Bangladesh vs. Ireland at Gaddafi Stadium;
- April 14: Pakistan vs. West Indies at Gaddafi Stadium;
- April 15: Thailand vs. Ireland at LCCA; Scotland vs. Bangladesh at Gaddafi Stadium;
- April 17: Bangladesh vs. West Indies at LCCA; Pakistan vs. Thailand at Gaddafi Stadium;
- April 18: Ireland vs. Scotland at Gaddafi Stadium;
- April 19: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh at LCCA; West Indies vs. Thailand at Gaddafi Stadium.
The top two ranked sides after the round-robin phase will secure their spots in the prestigious Women’s Cricket World Cup, set to be hosted in India later this year. It’s not just about victory; it's about pride, unity, and the strength of women’s cricket.
For Pakistan, the squad has seen recent changes, most notably with the return of Shawaal Zulfiqar after a long hiatus due to a shoulder injury, which kept her sidelined for 16 months. Zulfiqar’s presence is significant; it adds experience to the lineup, which is crucial in crucial matches. The team will be guided by Fatima Sana, who has amassed valuable leadership experience, having captained in both T20 and ODI formats.
Pakistan’s roster also includes key players such as Muneeba Ali, who serves as vice-captain, and fast bowlers like Diana Baig, who can make an impact with the ball. The selection committee has meticulously evaluated each player’s fitness and form during the preparation camps and warm-up matches to ensure the strongest possible squad.
The support staff also plays an essential role in player development and performance management. Hina Munawar oversees the team as manager, with Muhammad Wasim acting as head coach alongside several specialists to maximize player potential.
This year’s qualifiers are not just a showcase of athleticism but also a vital step towards elevating women’s cricket in Pakistan and reinforcing the country’s commitment to fostering talent and inclusion in sports. The host country's fans are sure to rally behind their team as they aim for a strong showing on their home turf.
As the tournament approaches, the excitement builds. Teams are finalizing their strategies, and every player is driven not only by a desire to win but to prove their skill and resilience. The women's cricket community worldwide will be watching closely as these teams compete not just for qualification, but to uplift women's sports on a global stage.
The journey has just begun, and April's qualifiers will be an unforgettable chapter in the story of women’s cricket, providing inspiring narratives and unforgettable moments for fans and players alike. With the matches starting soon, supporters can look forward to a thrilling spectacle of dedication, teamwork, and skill.
