The International Cricket Council on Tuesday unveiled the lineup for the final qualifiers of the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup — and once again, Afghanistan is not on the field.
The ICC named six teams that will compete in the qualifier, hosted by Pakistan at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and the city’s cricket association grounds. Bangladesh, Ireland, Pakistan, the West Indies, Scotland, and Thailand will contest 15 matches in a round-robin league format, with two teams advancing to the main event in India later this year.
The omission of Afghanistan, whose women’s cricket program has been effectively dismantled since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, was not directly addressed by the ICC. The council has faced mounting criticism in recent years for allowing the Afghan men’s team to continue competing internationally while the country’s female players remain sidelined and in exile.
The absence is the latest chapter in a long and turbulent history for women’s cricket in Afghanistan.
The Afghanistan women’s national cricket team was first established in 2010 but quickly encountered intense societal resistance and threats from Islamist groups, limiting their opportunities to train or compete. The team was disbanded in 2014 due to safety concerns and cultural opposition.
In 2020, the Afghanistan Cricket Board made a renewed effort to support women’s cricket, awarding central contracts to 25 female players. But following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, organized women’s sports were banned altogether, and the women’s cricket team was once again disbanded. Many players fled the country, seeking refuge in places like Australia.
In January 2025, a group of exiled Afghan players reformed as the Afghan Women’s XI and played their first match in over three years — a friendly against Cricket Without Borders in Melbourne, Australia. The match was seen as a symbolic and defiant moment, highlighting the resilience of Afghan women athletes and renewing international calls for their inclusion in the sport.
A closer look at the qualifiers
Pakistan, the host nation, will be led by Fatima Sana and aim to qualify for a fourth consecutive World Cup. The team enters the tournament after a string of ODI losses but is hoping for a turnaround on home soil.
Bangladesh, under captain Nigar Sultana Joty, are seeking to qualify for the second time. Recent victories over Pakistan and Ireland, along with a historic win in the West Indies, have boosted the team’s confidence.
Ireland, captained by Gaby Lewis, bring a mix of youth and experience. They return to the qualifier two decades after winning its inaugural edition, with standout talents like Amy Hunter and Kia McCartney bolstering the squad.
Scotland, led by Kathryn Bryce, are making their fourth appearance in the qualifier as they continue their push for a debut in the Women’s Cricket World Cup. The team features rising star Pippa Sproule, 17, who impressed at the U19 World Cup.
Thailand, captained by Naruemol Chaiwai, aim to qualify for their first 50-over World Cup. The team has shown consistent improvement, winning recent T20 series in Asia and bringing momentum into the qualifiers.
West Indies, led by Hayley Matthews, are seeking their sixth consecutive World Cup berth. With a blend of seasoned performers and younger talent, the team remains one of the strongest contenders in the field.
The qualifiers mark the final step on the path to the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be held in India. Matches will begin at 9:30 a.m. for day games and 2:00 p.m. local time for day-night fixtures.
