The much-awaited ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 will begin with a glittering opening ceremony in Guwahati on September 30, but the Pakistan women’s cricket team will not be a part of the celebrations. The event is set to feature cultural performances and a musical act by famous Indian playback singer Shreya Ghoshal, who will entertain the crowd before the first match between co-hosts India and Sri Lanka.
According to reports by Geo News, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana and her teammates will not travel to India for the ceremony. Sources confirmed that no official representative from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will attend the opening function.
Political Tensions Behind the Decision
The absence of Pakistan has fueled speculation about the political tensions between the two neighboring countries. Reports suggest that both boards have adopted a policy that prevents India and Pakistan from crossing borders for ICC tournaments over the next three years.
Cricket relations between the two nations have been strained for over a decade. India last toured Pakistan in 2008, and since then, bilateral series have been suspended. In February 2025, Pakistan successfully hosted the Champions Trophy, but eventual winners India refused to cross the border citing geopolitical concerns.
Pakistan’s Matches Relocated to Colombo
As a result of this policy, Pakistan will play all its fixtures at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. If the team advances, the same venue will host their semi-final on October 29 and the grand final on November 2.
Pakistan begins its World Cup campaign on October 2 against Bangladesh, while fans are eagerly waiting for the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash on October 5.
Qualification and Team Announcement
Pakistan booked their place in the tournament after an impressive run in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers earlier this year. Hosting the qualifiers, the team remained unbeaten, winning all five matches to secure a spot in the marquee event.
Pakistan squad for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025:
Fatima Sana (c), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vc), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk), and Syeda Aroob Shah.
Non-travelling reserves: Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar.
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