Male spectators, except family members, will be banned when Pakistan hosts the eight-team International Cricket Council (ICC) Women's World Cup qualifiers in November, officials said Wednesday.
However, officials have hailed the decision to stage the matches in the conservative Islamic republic as a sign that the country is becoming more moderate and is making efforts to allow women to play sport.
"The decision proves that women's cricket is progressing in our country and through this event we would promote a softer and moderate image of Pakistan," said Shamsa Hashmi, secretary of the Pakistan Cricket Board women's wing.
"Males can come to watch only as part of families of those that are playing," she added.
Male officials may also be allowed, while players would wear the standard international dress code, unlike earlier matches in Pakistan that have been played in strict Islamic baggy trousers and long shirts, Hashmi said.
Hosts Pakistan, along with teams from Zimbabwe, Papua New Guinea, Bermuda, Ireland, South Africa, Scotland and the Netherlands will fight for the two remaining spots at the 2009 ICC Women's World Cup to be held in Australia.
The qualifiers will be played in the city of Lahore in eastern Pakistan between November 18 and 24, with the two top teams joining Australia, India, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the West Indies at the World Cup.
Betty Timmer, chairwoman of the ICC Women's Committee, said she was delighted with the interest shown by Pakistan in hosting the qualifiers.
"We are very pleased with Pakistan's involvement in the organization of the event.
"We are looking forward to this tournament in Lahore," said Timmer.
The 2009 ICC Women's World Cup will be the first to be played under the patronage of the ICC since its merger with the International Women's Cricket Council in 2005.