Pakistan will play all their women's 50-over World Cup matches in Sri Lanka's capital Colombo when India hosts this year's tournament, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Monday.

Politically-estranged India and Pakistan, who have not played a bilateral series since 2013, will play their matches in neutral venues when either country hosts an ICC event, the sport's global governing body announced in December.

"The venues for the knockouts are dependent on Pakistan qualifying as two alternative venues have been identified for one semi-final and the final," the ICC said.

"Colombo will be the venue for the first semi-final and the final only if Pakistan qualify for those stages." Bengaluru, where the tournament will start with India playing in the opening match, will host the final on November 2 if Pakistan are knocked out earlier in the tournament, the ICC added.

Bengaluru will also stage the second semi-final on October 30, a day after the first semi-final in Colombo or Guwahati. Visakhapatnam and Indore are the two other host cities for the eight-team tournament.

India played all their matches in Dubai when Pakistan hosted the men's Champions Trophy this year, including the final which they won.

Both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League were suspended last month amid clashes between the two countries following an attack targeting tourists that killed 26 people in Kashmir in April.

Matches resumed after a ceasefire was announced. The neutral venue arrangement between the countries will also be in place for the men's T20 World Cup in 2026, which India will co-host with Sri Lanka, and the women's T20 World Cup in 2028 in Pakistan. Reuters

Women's Emerging Asia Cup postponed

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has officially announced the postponement of the ACC Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2025, which was originally scheduled to begin on June 6 in Sri Lanka.

The decision follows a formal request from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Shammi Silva, who wrote to ACC President Mohsin Raza Naqvi, citing adverse weather conditions and growing health concerns stemming from a chikungunya outbreak in the region.

In a statement, ACC President Mohsin Naqvi reaffirmed the council's dedication to women's cricket.

"The ACC is committed to providing opportunities for young women cricketers to develop their skills and compete at the highest level," said Mr. Mohsin Raza Naqvi, President Asian Cricket Council.

"We understand the strategic significance of this tournament in shaping the future of women's cricket in Asia, and we will work diligently to reschedule the event at the earliest possible date," he added. The ACC emphasised that it remains focused on promoting women's cricket and nurturing emerging talent across the continent. New dates for the tournament will be announced in due course.

Meanwhile, speculation had been circulating in the media regarding India's possible withdrawal from ACC tournaments due to ongoing cross-border tensions. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strongly refuted these claims.

Speaking to the Indian media, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia clarified the board's position regarding participation in ACC events, firmly denying any withdrawal rumors.

"There has been no discussion or decision to withdraw from any ACC event. Our current focus remains on the Indian Premier League and the upcoming England series for both the men's and women's teams."