The stage is set for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier, as six determined teams gear up to fight for the final two slots in the marquee tournament. Scheduled to take place in Pakistan from April 9 to April 19, the Qualifier promises intense competition, high stakes, and a shot at glory in the Women’s World Cup 2025, which will be hosted later this year in India.
🏏 What’s at Stake?
The two top-performing teams from this Qualifier will earn their place in the eight-team ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, joining already-qualified sides Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and host India. Australia, the reigning champions, will look to defend their crown, but before that, the heat is on in Pakistan.
🌍 Participating Teams
Six competitive teams will battle it out in a round-robin format, with each team playing the others once. The teams include:
- Pakistan (Hosts)
- West Indies (2013 runners-up)
- Bangladesh
- Ireland
- Scotland
- Thailand
Bangladesh, West Indies, Pakistan, and Ireland enter this tournament after finishing as the bottom four in the ICC Women’s Championship 2022–2025. Meanwhile, Scotland and Thailand earned their places based on their rankings in the ICC Women’s ODI Team Rankings.
🏟 Venues
Two venues in Lahore will host the 15 matches:
- Gaddafi Stadium (GSL) – An iconic ground, which also hosted four matches during the recent ICC Men’s Champions Trophy.
- Lahore City Cricket Association Ground (LCCA) – Set to host women’s international cricket for the first time in its history.
🔄 Tournament Format
- Round-robin format
- Each win earns 2 points
- Top 2 teams after 15 matches qualify for the World Cup
📅 Key Fixtures
- Opening Day – April 9
- Pakistan vs Ireland – Gaddafi Stadium
- West Indies vs Scotland – LCCA
- April 10
- Thailand vs Bangladesh – Thailand looks to qualify for their maiden World Cup appearance
- Final League Match – April 19
- Thailand vs West Indies – Gaddafi Stadium
🧢 Team Squads
🇧🇩 Bangladesh: Nigar Sultana (c), Nahida Akter, Ishma Tanjim, Dilara Akter, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Jannatul Ferdus, Rabeya, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Trisna, Farzana Haque, Shanjida Maghla, Marufa Akter, Ritu Moni.
🇮🇪 Ireland: Gaby Lewis (c), Ava Canning, Christina Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Kia McCartney, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast.
🇵🇰 Pakistan: Fatima Sana (c), Najiha Alvi, Gull Feroza, Sidra Amin, Omaima Sohail, Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sundhu, Muneeba Ali, Rameen Shamim, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Syeda Aroob Shah, Natalia Parvaiz, Sidra Nawaz.
🏴 Scotland: Kathryn Bryce (c), Chloe Abel, Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Sarah Bryce, Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, Katherine Fraser, Ailsa Lister, Abtaha Maqsood, Megan McColl, Hannah Rainey, Nayma Sheikh, Rachel Slater, Pippa Sproul, Ellen Watson.
🇹🇭 Thailand: Naruemol Chaiwai (c), Sunida Chaturongrattana, Nannapat Khoncharoenkai, Suleeporn Laomi, Suwanan Khiaoto, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Natthakan Chantham, Nannaphat Chaihan, Chanida Sutthiruang, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Nattaya Boochatham, Chayanisa Phengpaen, Phannita Maya, Rosenanee Kanoh, Thipatcha Putthawong.
🇯🇲 West Indies: Hayley Matthews (c), Shemaine Campbelle, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams.
With rich experience and historical depth, teams like West Indies and Bangladesh start as favorites. However, hosts Pakistan have the home advantage, and teams like Thailand and Scotland will be eager to make history. The tournament not only sets the tone for the Women’s World Cup but also reflects the growing global competitiveness in women’s cricket.
