BCCI seeks Indian govt approval to host Pakistan women team

NEW DELHI (Web Desk): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sought permission from the government to host the Pakistan women cricket team for a one-day international series this year as a part of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Women’s Championship, Cricbuzz reported.

The ICC Women’s Championship is an international cricket tournament used to determine qualification for the Women’s World Cup.

According to the cricket site, in a letter sent to the sports ministry on May 29, BCCI’s General Manager Saba Karim has explained the board’s position.

“As per the schedule of the event, BCCI is to host Pakistan women’s team for at least three ODIs in India between July and November. BCCI would like to seek necessary permission from the government of India before giving its consent to ICC on this subject,” Times of India said. 

Hosts BCCI last year moved the men’s Asia Cup to the United Arab Emirates in September since hosting Pakistan in India was not feasible.

ICC has kept bilateral Test fixtures between India and Pakistan out of its future tours programme (FTP) for the 2019-2021 cycle even though the inaugural World Test Championship gets underway in August, with India travelling to West Indies.

The 2021 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand sees Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies playing in a two-and-a-half year competition under the banner of ICC.

The top four teams and hosts New Zealand will qualify directly for the Women’s World Cup. The remaining three teams will play in the Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2020.