Pakistan will not participate in the opening ceremony of the ICC Women's World Cup scheduled to be held in Guwahati, India, on September 30. Sources indicate that neither captain Fatima Sana nor any other representative from Pakistan will travel to India for the event.

The opening ceremony is planned to be a grand affair, preceding the tournament's inaugural match between India and Sri Lanka. Renowned Indian singer Shreya Ghoshal is slated to perform.

Speculation suggests that Pakistan's decision is rooted in a reciprocal policy adopted by both nations in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy. This policy reportedly stipulates that neither country will cross the border to compete in ICC tournaments for the next three years.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have meant that India has not toured Pakistan since 2008. Earlier this year, India refused to participate in the Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan, citing the "geopolitical situation" between the two countries. Consequently, Pakistan will play all of its matches at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, and Colombo will also host the semi-final on October 29 and final on November 2, should Pakistan progress.

Pakistan's first match is against Bangladesh on October 2. They secured their place in the World Cup by remaining undefeated in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup Qualifiers, which they hosted. Pakistan and India are scheduled to compete against each other on October 5.

The Pakistan squad for the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 includes Fatima Sana (c), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vc), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, and Sadia Iqbal.

In related news, Pakistan's junior hockey team will participate in the FIH Junior Men's Hockey World Cup 2025 in Tamil Nadu, India. This decision follows Pakistan's withdrawal from the Asia Cup due to security concerns. The World Cup matches will be held in Chennai and Madurai, with India and Pakistan in Pool B.