The Pakistan women’s cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup, but a major update has created a buzz. Reports suggest that the team will not take part in the tournament’s opening ceremony, scheduled for September 30 at the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.

Why Pakistan Won’t Attend the Opening Ceremony

According to ANI, quoting Geo Super, skipper Fatima Sana and her teammates will skip the event. The primary reason is said to be the ongoing political tension between India and Pakistan. While other participating teams will attend the ceremony in India, Pakistan will stay away. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not issued an official statement yet.

Pakistan to Play Matches in Sri Lanka

Although India is hosting the Women’s ODI World Cup, Pakistan will play all its matches in Sri Lanka, following a special arrangement between the BCCI and PCB. The agreement ensures that for the next three years, the two countries will not play matches in each other’s territory.

This arrangement was first seen during the 2025 Champions Trophy, where India played all its matches in Dubai despite Pakistan being the official host. Similarly, in this Women’s World Cup, Pakistan’s matches will be staged in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Pakistan’s Schedule

• October 2: Pakistan vs Bangladesh (Colombo)

• October 5: India vs Pakistan (Colombo)

The team is aiming to win this prestigious tournament for the first time in its history, despite the off-field challenges.