New Delhi: Pakistan will not participate in the ICC Women’s World Cup opening ceremony scheduled to be held in Guwahati on September 30. The grand event will precede the tournament opener between India and Sri Lanka, who are co-hosting the competition. Indian singer Shreya Ghoshal is set to perform at the ceremony.

According to sources cited by Geo News, neither Pakistan captain Fatima Sana nor any representatives from Pakistan will travel to India for the opening ceremony. Pakistan’s absence appears linked to a recently adopted policy by both India and Pakistan during the buildup to the Champions Trophy, wherein the two nations agreed not to cross borders to compete against each other at ICC tournaments for the next three years.

Due to ongoing strained political relations, India has not toured Pakistan since 2008. Earlier this year, Pakistan hosted the Champions Trophy, but India refused to cross the border to participate because of the geopolitical situation between the two neighbours.

Consequently, Pakistan will play all of its World Cup fixtures at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Their campaign will begin against Bangladesh on October 2, with India and Pakistan scheduled to face off on October 5. Should Pakistan advance, Colombo will also host the semifinals and final later in October and November.

Pakistan secured their berth in the tournament by remaining unbeaten in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers, winning all five matches hosted on home soil.

Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 includes captain Fatima Sana, vice-captain Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Sidra Nawaz, and others. Non-travelling reserves include Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, and Waheeda Akhtar.

With inputs from ANI

Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), led by GMR Aero, has partnered with global intercity operator FlixBus to launch India’s first luxury bus service linking Delhi Airport with Noida and Greater Noida. The service, starting in the coming days, marks a major step in boosting airport connectivity and offering a premium public transport option.

The service will be available 24×7 at an affordable fare of INR 199 per trip. It is designed to provide air travellers with a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to private transport, ensuring both comfort and affordability. The routes will cover key areas like Sector 16, Botanical Garden, Golf Course Road, Jaypee Wishtown, Gaur City, and Pari Chowk.

Travel time is expected to range between 130 and 180 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. With Noida and Greater Noida emerging as major hubs, this service aims to reduce travel hassle for passengers and ease congestion caused by private cabs and vehicles.

Each bus will be equipped with world-class amenities such as plush reclining seats, real-time tracking, CCTV surveillance, USB charging ports, and ample luggage space. FlixBus and DIAL emphasized that the initiative is not only about comfort but also about creating a safe, tech-enabled travel experience.

According to DIAL, nearly 20% of Delhi Airport’s passengers already use public transport. The addition of this luxury bus strengthens its transport network and aligns with its sustainability goals of lowering carbon emissions. CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar highlighted that this collaboration sets new benchmarks for eco-friendly airport mobility.

Tickets can be booked conveniently through the FlixBus app, website, or platforms like RedBus, MakeMyTrip, and Paytm. Offline counters will also be available at airport terminals. With this initiative, Delhi Airport joins leading global hubs offering integrated and world-class airport-to-city bus services.