![PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1772442154999_Pakistan Women (1).jpg)
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi [Source: X]
In a major update, the Pakistan Women’s journey back home from South Africa has become uncertain. Notably, the team had been in South Africa playing a white-ball series that included T20I and ODI matches.
The Women in Green were scheduled to leave Durban on Monday night and travel to Pakistan through Dubai. However, the situation in the Middle East has changed suddenly, and several airports in that region are now closed.
Pakistan Women may need to stay longer in Durban
As a result, the team’s travel route through Dubai is not currently possible. Therefore, doubts have arisen about when and how the players and staff will be able to return home safely.
According to Geo Super sources close to the team, the players will only begin their return once authorities officially announce that flights in the affected region have resumed.
Meanwhile, if airports and airspace remain closed for a longer period, the team may have to extend its stay in Durban. This situation has created uncertainty for players and management, who had expected to travel soon after finishing the series.
It is important to note that Pakistan toured South Africa for three T20I matches and three ODI matches, and the host team won both series by a 2-1 margin.
Pakistan finish strong in the final ODI vs South Africa
Even though Pakistan Women lost the overall ODI series, the team ended the tour on a positive note. They achieved a convincing 119-run win over South Africa in the third ODI at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban. Pakistan batted first and scored a large total of 306 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 50 overs.
This strong performance came with half-centuries from Sadaf Shamas and captain Fatima Sana. Later, the bowlers worked together effectively and dismissed South Africa for 187 runs in 36.2 overs. As a result, Pakistan secured a comfortable victory in the final match.
Also Read: Indian Cricket Team Creates History In ICC Events, Does What Even Australia, England Failed At
It is important to note that Pakistan Women completed the tour on Sunday, March 1, with this final ODI victory in Durban. The team had already lost the series earlier, so the last match was considered a dead rubber, meaning it did not affect the series result.
Even so, the win provided a morale boost. A similar pattern had also occurred earlier in the T20I series, where Pakistan Women managed to win one match after the series outcome had already been decided.
Regional tensions disrupt other cricket activities
At the same time, rising tensions in the Middle East have affected other cricket events as well. The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed that the second unofficial ODI between England Lions and Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi was cancelled due to security concerns.
The decision followed reports of strikes in the region, including areas near Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah. Authorities emphasised that player and staff safety remains the top priority. The England Lions squad, currently in Abu Dhabi, has been directly impacted by the situation.
Along with the match cancellation, a planned training camp for England Women in Abu Dhabi next week has also been postponed. The ICC stated that it continues to monitor the regional situation closely to ensure safe conditions for all teams and events.
Also Read- South Africa Coach Shukri Conrad Directly Attacks ICC Broadcaster For T20 World Cup
