Pakistan is keen to host all matches of the 2028 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is emerging as the likely neutral venue for India's matches.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that the 12-team tournament will take place from September 7 to October 1, 2028, with Pakistan as the main host. However, the venue for India's matches has not yet been finalised.
A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) source said the country would ask the ICC to follow the hybrid model used during the 2025 Champions Trophy. Under this arrangement, India and Pakistan play their matches at neutral venues when the other country hosts an ICC or Asian tournament.
Pakistan wants to host matches from both groups, along with knockout games that do not involve India. The UAE, particularly Dubai, is being considered because travel between Pakistan and Dubai is relatively convenient, which could help reduce logistical costs.
The hybrid model was implemented during the 2025 Champions Trophy, which Pakistan hosted. India played all its matches in Dubai, including the final, while Pakistan hosted 10 of the tournament's 15 matches.
If India fail to reach the 2028 Women's T20 World Cup final, the title clash could take place in Lahore, according to the PCB source. If India qualify, the final may need to be held at a neutral venue. These arrangements remain subject to confirmation.
Pakistan sees hosting the tournament as an opportunity to raise the profile of women's cricket in the country. The ICC's final decision on venues and match arrangements is still awaited.