Pakistan is all set to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028, but the arrangements for India’s matches may once again create a challenge for the organisers. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wants to stage matches from both groups and the knockout rounds, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is being considered as a possible venue for the games involving India.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the 12-team ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 will run from September 7 to October 1, 2028, with Pakistan as the main host. Amid this, Murali Kartik questions team India’s decision to bat Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at No. 3 in 2nd T20I.
However, a final decision on the venue for India’s match has not yet been taken, with India and Pakistan continuing to follow a neutral-venue arrangement for the ICC and Asia Cup games hosted by either country.
PCB pushes for Champions Trophy-style formula for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is keen to make the most of its hosting opportunity and wants the ICC to use the same system that was followed during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Under that arrangement, India played all its matches in the UAE, while Pakistan hosted the remaining games. India eventually lifted the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai, while Pakistan staged 10 of the tournament’s 15 matches.
These included a semifinal in Lahore that did not feature India. The PCB now wants a similar plan for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028. Amid this, Afghanistan U-19 captain in controversy after allegedly bowling beyond his 10-over quota.
PCB wants UAE to host India’s 2028 World Cup matches
A PCB source revealed that Pakistan would be happy to host matches from both groups and all knockout games that do not involve India.
The UAE is a practical option as Dubai is comparatively closer to Pakistan and thus it is easier and cheaper to travel and organize tournaments there. But the ICC has not officially declared the venue of the matches of India as neutral.
The source was quoted as saying by PTI, “We would like to host matches from both groups and the knockout matches in which the Indian team is not involved. The UAE will probably be the neutral venue of choice for everyone because travel between Pakistan and Dubai is short and logistics become less expensive and easier to manage.”
Will Lahore host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 Final?
The venue for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 final could depend on how far India progress in the competition. With India among the leading teams in women’s cricket, they are expected to be strong contenders for a place in the knockout rounds.
If India fail to reach the final, Lahore could host the title clash, according to the PCB source. If India qualify, the ICC will need to consider the existing neutral-venue arrangement while finalising the venue. So, the venue for the final remains under discussion, with the official announcement expected soon.
Notably, the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place in Australia and New Zealand from October 12 to November 12. The international cricket calendar will have two major events in the year with the men’s and women’s T20 World Cups scheduled for 2028.
