Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Saturday that the national women's team will not travel to India for the upcoming ICC Women's ODI World Cup, scheduled to be held from September 29 to October 26 later this year.

Instead, Pakistan will play its matches at a neutral venue under the hybrid model previously accepted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and stakeholders.

"Just like India didn't play in Pakistan in the Champions Trophy and were allowed to play at a neutral venue, whatever venue is decided, we will play [there]," Naqvi told PTI. "When there is an agreement, it has to be adhered to."

The hybrid model, which was greenlit earlier this year, states that if India or Pakistan are hosting an ICC event between now and 2027, the other nation can play its matches at a neutral venue due to ongoing political tensions between the two countries.

Earlier this year, when Pakistan hosted the ICC Champions Trophy, India declined to travel and played their matches in Dubai. A similar arrangement is now expected to be followed for the Women's ODI World Cup.

Naqvi added that the ICC and BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) would decide where Pakistan's matches will be held. While Dubai remains a frontrunner due to its history as a neutral host, no official venue has yet been announced.

Despite the political hurdles, Pakistan's women's team has been on a high. They qualified for the World Cup in style, winning all five of their matches in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup Qualifiers. They defeated Ireland, Scotland, West Indies, Thailand, and Bangladesh — an unbeaten run that Naqvi praised heavily.

"The team showed how to take home advantage and play like a collective unit," Naqvi said. "I am happy that women's cricket is doing well now."

He further stated that the PCB would soon announce a special reward for the women's team in recognition of their stellar performances.

With hosts India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and England will take part in the mega event.

As the cricketing world awaits the ICC's decision on Pakistan's neutral venue, the message from Lahore is loud and clear — Pakistan will play by the rules of the hybrid model, even if that means staying off Indian soil.