Pakistan Eyes Full Hosting Rights for 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup, India May Play in UAE

Pakistan is keen to host all matches of the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is emerging as the likely neutral venue for fixtures involving India under the hybrid hosting arrangement between the two neighbouring countries.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Friday that the 12-team tournament will be held from September 7 to October 1, 2028, with Pakistan designated as the main host. However, the venue for India’s matches has yet to be finalised.

Under the existing hybrid arrangement, India and Pakistan play their matches at neutral venues whenever either country hosts an ICC or Asian tournament. The system has been in place since the 2025 Champions Trophy, which Pakistan hosted, with India playing all its matches in the UAE and lifting the trophy after defeating New Zealand in the final in Dubai.

A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official said the country would push for the ICC to follow the same model for the women’s tournament. Pakistan wants to host both groups and all knockout matches that do not involve India, allowing it to retain most of the tournament on home soil.

The UAE is being considered a practical choice for India’s fixtures because of its proximity to Pakistan, relatively short travel between the two countries and lower logistical costs. The arrangement could also determine the venue for the knockout stages, given India’s status as one of the leading teams in women’s cricket.

According to the PCB official, Lahore could host the final if India fail to qualify for the title clash. The final’s venue would therefore depend, at least in part, on India’s progress in the tournament.

Hosting the World Cup would provide a significant opportunity for Pakistan to strengthen its women’s cricket programme, showcase local talent and earn hosting-related revenue from the ICC, including funds to meet tournament expenses.

Meanwhile, the 20-team men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Australia and New Zealand from October 12 to November 12, 2028.