Pakistan Women Skip World Cup Opening In India Over Tensions

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is almost here, and cricket fans are excited. The tournament will begin on September 30 in India, with teams from around the world gathering to compete. However, not every team will be based in India. The Pakistani women’s cricket team will set up their training and playing base in Sri Lanka instead of India. This decision comes because of ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

No Pakistani Presence At Opening Ceremony

One of the highlights before the cricket action starts will be the grand opening ceremony in Guwahati, India. This event will feature music, cultural performances, and the official welcome of the teams. But Pakistan will not be represented there. According to Pakistani media outlet Geo Super, neither captain Fatima Sana nor any member of the team or support staff will attend. This absence reflects the wider political situation between India and Pakistan.

A Star-Studded Opening Event In India

The opening ceremony is expected to be a colorful event full of energy and entertainment. Indian playback singer Shreya Ghoshal will headline the ceremony with a live performance. Fans are eagerly waiting for this musical spectacle before the first game between India and Sri Lanka. While most teams will be celebrated in the stadium, Pakistan’s absence will be noticed, reminding everyone of the strained ties between the two nations.

Political Agreement Shapes Cricket Calendar

The decision for Pakistan not to attend is not sudden. Earlier this year, India and Pakistan agreed on a policy that they will not cross borders for cricket tournaments organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the next three years. This agreement was made due to continuing political and diplomatic tensions. As a result, Pakistan will not play matches in India, and India will not play in Pakistan.

Historical Context Of The Dispute

The sporting rivalry between India and Pakistan has always been one of the fiercest in the world. However, beyond cricket, the political situation has often decided whether the teams can play on each other’s soil. India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, and relations between the countries remain tense. Every ICC tournament hosted in either nation now requires special arrangements.

Champions Trophy Controversy

Earlier in 2025, this political divide also affected the Champions Trophy, which was awarded to Pakistan as the host nation. India declined to participate in the tournament on Pakistani soil, citing security and political concerns. The issue caused debates within cricket circles, but ultimately, it followed the same pattern: India and Pakistan avoiding travel across borders.

Pakistan To Play In Sri Lanka

Because of this agreement, all of Pakistan’s Women’s World Cup 2025 matches will take place in Sri Lanka. The R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo will be their main venue. This stadium is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous cricket grounds and has hosted many international matches. Pakistani players will treat it as their home ground for the duration of the World Cup.

Semi-Finals And Final In Colombo

The R Premadasa Stadium will also host the semi-finals on October 29 and the final on November 2, but only if Pakistan qualifies. This arrangement means that Pakistan will play the entire tournament without stepping foot in India. Fans in Sri Lanka are expected to show their support, giving Pakistan a different kind of home advantage.

Cricket And Diplomacy In South Asia

This situation shows how much politics affects cricket in South Asia. While the sport brings people together, political differences between nations often pull them apart. Diplomatic decisions about borders, security, and relations directly shape cricket schedules, venues, and even ceremonies. Many cricket fans on both sides of the border are disappointed because they want to see India and Pakistan face each other more often.

Pakistan’s Full Squad For The Tournament

The Pakistan women’s team is being led by Fatima Sana, who will captain the side. Muneeba Ali Siddiqui is the vice-captain. Other players in the squad include Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wicket-keeper), and Syeda Aroob Shah. The squad is a mix of experienced players and exciting young talents who will be aiming to make a mark on the world stage.

The Challenge Of Neutral Venues

Playing in neutral venues is not always easy. Teams lose the advantage of home conditions, familiar grounds, and local fan support. However, Pakistan has experience playing in neutral locations in the past, especially in the UAE, due to security concerns in their own country. This time, Sri Lanka will serve as a neutral but friendly venue, with fans expected to cheer them on.

Impact On The World Cup Atmosphere

The absence of Pakistan at the opening ceremony may impact the global atmosphere of the World Cup. Usually, such events celebrate the coming together of nations through sport. But with one team missing from the spotlight, the political divide becomes visible. Still, the matches will go on, and fans will hope that cricket will rise above politics once the games begin.

Cricket Diplomacy In The Future

Cricket has often been described as a bridge between India and Pakistan. In the past, tours and matches have helped ease tensions, even during difficult times. However, in recent years, that bridge has weakened. The Women’s World Cup 2025 is another example of how politics controls cricketing ties. Unless relations improve, this arrangement of neutral venues and skipped ceremonies might continue for years.

The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is set to be an exciting tournament, but politics has again cast its shadow. Pakistan’s decision not to attend the opening ceremony in India reflects the long-standing diplomatic issues between the two countries. With all their matches set in Sri Lanka, Pakistan will focus on performance while leaving the politics aside.

For cricket lovers, the hope remains that one day, India and Pakistan can again play freely on each other’s soil. Until then, tournaments will continue to be shaped not only by the players and teams but also by political decisions beyond the cricket field.

Pakistan cricket team, India Pakistan tensions, Women’s World Cup