Pakistan’s capital of cricket, Gaddafi Stadium, is once again in the spotlight—this time for hosting the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2025. With matches kicking off from April 9 through April 19, the Pakistan women’s cricket team has publicly appealed to fans for strong stadium attendance, while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a landmark decision: free entry to all matches at the historic venue.
The move signals a critical turning point not only for women’s sports in Pakistan, but for the nation’s broader cricketing culture.
As the tournament begins, key players from the national squad have spoken out with a unified message—“Come to the stadium and support us.”
Wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi emphasized the importance of fan support in high-pressure matches:
“We’ve worked really hard in preparation for this tournament. Your support in the stadium will energize us—it’s a big moment for Pakistan women’s cricket.”
Veteran keeper Sidra Nawaz praised the PCB’s decision, saying:
“Allowing free entry is a fantastic gesture by the board. We want families, young girls, and cricket fans to come together and celebrate women’s cricket. Your cheers from the stands can inspire us to victory.”
Star spinner Sadia Iqbal echoed similar sentiments:
“Hosting an ICC event in Pakistan is a proud moment. We want fans to be part of this journey and help us secure a spot in the Women’s World Cup.”
Free Entry Matters
The PCB’s decision to offer free public entry into Gaddafi Stadium is being seen as a strategic and symbolic move.
Promoting Gender Equality in Sports
For years, women’s sports in Pakistan have struggled for visibility. By creating open access to international women’s cricket, PCB is actively breaking cultural barriers and promoting gender-inclusive stadium environments.
Building a Grassroots Fan Base
Free entry is expected to bring in school children, university students, and first-time viewers. These attendees are crucial for developing a long-term fan base for women’s cricket in the country.
International Image Boost
Hosting a global ICC qualifier not only elevates the game domestically but also helps Pakistan regain its international reputation as a capable, secure, and vibrant sporting host—especially after years of isolation from top-tier global events.
Inspiring the Next Generation
By letting young girls watch national heroes like Nida Dar, Sidra Nawaz, and Aliya Riaz in action, the event becomes a living showcase for possibility and empowerment.
A Strategic Push Amidst a Busy Cricket Calendar
Interestingly, the Women’s Qualifiers come at a time when Pakistan is juggling multiple major cricket events. The country just wrapped up the ICC Champions Trophy (Feb 19 – Mar 9) and is now gearing up for PSL X in late April.
This back-to-back scheduling raises valid concerns about resource strain, logistics, and viewer fatigue, but the PCB seems to be leveraging each event as part of a national cricketing renaissance, using one tournament to feed excitement into the next.
