A grand opening ceremony is due to take place before the tournament opener on September 30.
Pakistan have reportedly decided against participating in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 opening ceremony, slated to be held in Guwahati on September 30.
A grand opening ceremony is due to take place before the tournament opener between India and Sri Lanka -- the two hosts of the tournament. Renowned Indian singer Shreya Ghoshal will captivate the audience with her melodious voice.
According to a Geo News report, however, neither captain Fatima Sana nor any other representative from Pakistan will be travelling to India to attend the opening ceremony.
Pakistan's absence reportedly stems from a recent policy adopted by both nations during the buildup to the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year. Pakistan and India will not travel across the border to participate in ICC events for the next three years.
Team India have not toured Pakistan since 2008 due to strained political relations between the two countries. In February, Pakistan hosted the Champions Trophy but India played all of their matches in Dubai as part of the hybrid model and won the showpiece tournament.
As a result, Pakistan will now play all of their Women’s World Cup fixtures at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. If they manage to advance to the semi-finals on October 29 and the final on November 2, Colombo will stage both matches. The Men in Green will open their campaign against Bangladesh on October 2.
Pakistan's women's team booked its berth in the marquee event by remaining unbeaten in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup Qualifiers. Pakistan hosted the qualifiers and won all five matches, thereby sealing a place in the World Cup. India and Pakistan will square off on October 5.
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 (wicket-keeper), and Syeda Aroob Shah.
Non-travelling reserves:
Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar.
(With PTI Inputs)