Pakistan Cricketer Gull Feroza Stirs Controversy: ‘Not Interested in Playing in India’ After Pahalgam Attack
In the volatile world of India-Pakistan cricket, where sport often mirrors geopolitics, a fresh controversy has erupted. Following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan women’s team opener Gull Feroza has made headlines with her candid remarks on refusing to play in India for the upcoming 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India.
Feroza, a rising star who showcased her talent in three matches during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers, reiterated her team’s firm stance in an interview with PakPassion. With Pakistan securing their spot in the prestigious tournament, set to commence in September 2025, the 25-year-old batter emphasized that the team has no intention of traveling to India. ‘We are clear about this—we are not interested in playing in India,’ she stated boldly, aligning herself with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) official position.
This statement comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between the two nations, exacerbated by the recent attack in Pahalgam, which claimed several lives and reignited debates over safety and cross-border relations. The PCB, under chairman Mohsin Naqvi, had already signaled their reluctance to send the team to India, a decision that now appears set in stone with Feroza’s comments. Historically, cricketing ties between India and Pakistan have been strained, with bilateral series suspended since 2008 due to security concerns and political unrest.
As a workaround, discussions around a hybrid model—similar to the one implemented during the 2023 Asia Cup—have gained momentum. Under this arrangement, Pakistan’s matches, particularly the high-voltage clash against arch-rivals India, are likely to be played at a neutral venue such as Dubai or Sri Lanka. Feroza seemed optimistic about adapting to such conditions, noting, ‘Wherever it is played, the conditions will be similar to those we have at home in Asia. Our preparation is geared towards that, and we are ready.’ Her confidence reflects Pakistan’s intent to focus on performance regardless of the venue.
The controversy surrounding Feroza’s remarks isn’t an isolated incident. Earlier this year, the Indian men’s team also declined to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, resulting in their matches, including a potential final, being relocated to Dubai. This tit-for-tat approach underscores the deep-rooted challenges in cricket diplomacy between the two nations, leaving fans on both sides yearning for a resolution. According to ICC data, India-Pakistan matches remain among the most-watched sporting events globally, with their 2022 T20 World Cup clash drawing over 400 million viewers worldwide.
Yet, beyond the statistics and rivalries, the core issue remains: can cricket rise above political divides? Feroza’s statement, while reflective of her team’s stance, has sparked polarized reactions. Some view it as a necessary assertion of safety concerns, while others see it as a missed opportunity to build bridges through sport. As the cricketing world awaits further updates from the International Cricket Council (ICC) on the tournament’s logistics, one thing is certain—the India-Pakistan cricket saga continues to be as much about emotions as it is about the game.
In closing, while the pitches in Dubai or Sri Lanka may host the showdown, the real battle is being fought off the field. Will the 2025 Women’s World Cup offer a chance for reconciliation, or will it remain another chapter in a long-standing deadlock? Only time will tell, but for now, Gull Feroza’s words have added fresh fuel to an already blazing fire.