Pakistan to Boycott Women’s World Cup 2025 Opening Ceremony in India – Here’s Why
Quick Summary
- Pakistan will skip the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 opening ceremony in Guwahati on Sept 30.
- The decision is linked to the no cross-border travel policy between India & Pakistan for ICC events.
- Pakistan will play all their matches in Colombo, Sri Lanka, including possible knockouts.
- Shreya Ghoshal set to headline the glittering opening ceremony.
In a dramatic turn ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, Pakistan have reportedly decided against sending any representatives to the opening ceremony in Guwahati on September 30. According to a report from Geo News, neither skipper Fatima Sana nor any member of the Pakistan contingent will travel to India, further underlining the tense cricketing ties between the two nations.
The glittering ceremony, scheduled just hours before the tournament opener between co-hosts India and Sri Lanka, promises to be a grand spectacle. Popular Indian playback singer Shreya Ghoshal will mesmerize fans with a live performance, setting the stage for the month-long cricketing carnival. However, Pakistan’s absence has already become a talking point worldwide.
The reason reportedly stems from a policy agreement drawn earlier this year during the ICC Champions Trophy build-up. As part of the arrangement, India and Pakistan will not travel across borders to participate in ICC events for the next three years. The compromise follows India’s long-standing refusal to tour Pakistan since 2008 due to political tensions.
Earlier in February, Pakistan hosted the ICC Champions Trophy, but all of India’s matches were shifted to Dubai under a hybrid model. Ironically, India went on to lift the title despite not playing on Pakistani soil. Now, the same system has been extended to the Women’s World Cup, meaning Pakistan will play all their matches at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium.
If Pakistan’s women manage to advance to the semi-finals on October 29 or the final on November 2, those games will also be staged in Colombo. Their campaign begins on October 2 against Bangladesh, while the most anticipated clash — the India vs Pakistan showdown — is set for October 5.
The Pakistan women’s side booked their World Cup berth in style, remaining unbeaten in the ICC Qualifiers. Hosting the event, they registered five consecutive wins, securing a well-deserved ticket to the marquee tournament.
Pakistan’s 15-member squad will be led by Fatima Sana, with wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali Siddiqui serving as her deputy. The squad boasts a mix of experienced campaigners like Aliya Riaz and Diana Baig, alongside promising young talents such as Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar.
While the cricketing world looks forward to Shreya Ghoshal’s melodious performance at the opening night, Pakistan’s absence will undeniably cast a shadow over the event. With tensions between the two boards showing no signs of easing, the rivalry might now be confined strictly to the 22 yards.
