ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Pakistan to boycott opening ceremony in India
The Pakistan women's cricket team, led by captain Fatima Sana, will boycott the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 opening ceremony in Guwahati, India, scheduled for September 30.
Last Updated: 10.45 AM, Sep 07, 2025
The Pakistan women's cricket team has decided to boycott the opening ceremony and captain’s photoshoot of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in Guwahati, India, on September 30. Skipper Fatima Sana, along with the entire team, will not attend the event, according to reports from Geo News.
This boycott follows an understanding between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), agreeing not to tour each other’s countries for the next three years amid ongoing political tensions.
What happened?
The roots of the dispute date back to the ICC Champions Trophy held earlier this year, where India declined to play matches in Pakistan, citing security concerns.
This led the ICC to introduce a hybrid hosting model, allowing India to host its matches at neutral venues while other teams played in Pakistan. Although the PCB accepted the hybrid model, it insisted on reciprocal arrangements whenever India hosts ICC or ACC events, an agreement both boards ultimately accepted.
However, political ties have worsened significantly following the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir on April 22, where 26 people, including tourists, were killed by Pakistan-based militants.
India responded with “Operation Sindoor,” conducting airstrikes on militant camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This escalation further strained diplomatic and sporting relationships.
Shreya Ghoshal to perform in the opening ceremony
Indian singer Shreya Ghoshal is all set to perform at the opening ceremony of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. Ghoshal, who has also voiced the tournament’s unreleased official anthem “Bring it Home”, will deliver a live performance supported by thematic visuals and on-ground activations, as stated by ICC.
India will still face Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025
Despite these challenges, cricket has remained one area of limited engagement, with both boards agreeing to face each other in the Asia Cup 2025 hosted in the UAE.
Nonetheless, Pakistan’s refusal to participate in the World Cup opening ceremony underlines the fragile state of cricket diplomacy between the two neighboring countries.
The matches will continue as planned, but the boycott clearly reflects the broader political tensions that overshadow the sporting contest.