Pakistan to Host Next Cricket World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has awarded Pakistan the hosting rights for it’s first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028.

Under the current arrangement for ICC events involving Pakistan and India, India’s matches during the tournament will be played at a neutral venue.

The decision was approved at an ICC Board meeting in Ahmedabad, where the governing body also cleared a wider set of recommendations covering playing conditions, tournament scheduling, governance, and the growing impact of franchise cricket.

Among the other key decisions, the ICC approved a trial use of the pink ball in Test matches when both teams agree, aimed at reducing time lost due to bad light.

It also increased the innings break in T20 internationals to 15 minutes.

The ICC Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 has also been shifted from its earlier June-July window and will now be held from February 14 to 28, 2027.

In another change, the Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 will feature 10 teams, including five Full Members and five Associate sides.

The ICC also approved a new 16-team global qualifying tournament for the Men’s T20 World Cup, creating a broader route for teams aiming to reach the event.

On the governance side, the ICC suspended the membership of the Canada Cricket Board over serious breaches, although Canada’s national team will still be allowed to take part in ICC events.

The board also said a two-member ICC delegation will visit Bangladesh to review multiple matters, including the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s electoral process. It added that a similar visit to Sri Lanka has already been completed.

The ICC further expressed concern over the rapid rise of franchise cricket and announced the formation of a committee to examine how to maintain balance between international cricket and domestic leagues.

Pakistan hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028 is the headline decision for local cricket, with the event set to bring another major international tournament to the country even as India’s games remain outside Pakistan under the existing hybrid arrangement.