In an unexpected twist during preparations for one of the most anticipated matches of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, a harmless rat snake slithered into the spotlight at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, briefly halting India’s training session ahead of their high-voltage clash against Pakistan. The incident occurred on Friday evening, October 3, as the Indian women’s cricket team transitioned from the centre wicket to the nets.
The snake, identified as a common rat snake or “Garandiya” in Sinhalese, was spotted near the drainage area and stands, sparking a mix of amusement and curiosity among players, support staff, and media personnel. Far from causing panic, the reptile’s appearance turned into a light-hearted moment, with several cricketers seen smiling and pointing as ground officials calmly ushered it away.
India’s Training Disrupted – Snake Sighting Timeline
| Date | Event Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 3, 2025 | Snake spotted during training | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| Oct 3, 2025 | Identified as non-venomous rat snake | Near drainage and stands |
| Oct 3, 2025 | Training resumes after brief pause | India continues net session |
Ground staff confirmed that the snake was non-venomous and posed no threat. “It’s not venomous. It doesn’t bite. It’s a Garandiya, just looking for rats,” one official said. The venue has seen similar appearances in the past, including during Lanka Premier League matches and a Sri Lanka-Bangladesh ODI earlier this year.
The incident added a quirky footnote to India’s otherwise intense preparation for their second group-stage match, scheduled for Sunday, October 5. The team is riding high after a dominant win over co-hosts Sri Lanka in their opening fixture, while Pakistan is under pressure following a defeat to Bangladesh.
India vs Pakistan – Women’s World Cup 2025 Form Guide
| Team | Last Match Result | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|
| India | Beat Sri Lanka by 59 runs (DLS method) | Deepti Sharma (53), Amanjot Kaur (57) |
| Pakistan | Lost to Bangladesh by 7 wickets | Rameen Shamim (23), Fatima Sana (22) |
India’s opening match in Guwahati saw a record crowd of 22,843 fans, the highest attendance for a Women’s World Cup group-stage game. After being reduced to 124 for 6, Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur stitched a vital 103-run partnership, guiding India to 269 for 8 in 47 overs. Sri Lanka, chasing a revised target of 271 under DLS, folded for 211 in 45.4 overs.
Pakistan, meanwhile, struggled with both bat and ball in their opener. Batting first, they were bowled out for 129 in 38.3 overs, with only brief resistance from Rameen Shamim and Fatima Sana. Bangladesh chased down the target in just 31.1 overs, led by Rubya Haider’s unbeaten 54.
Group Stage Standings – ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 (as of Oct 4)
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Net Run Rate | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 1 | 1 | 0 | +1.25 | 2 |
| Bangladesh | 1 | 1 | 0 | +1.12 | 2 |
| Pakistan | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1.12 | 0 |
| Sri Lanka | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1.25 | 0 |
The India-Pakistan fixture is expected to draw massive viewership and stadium turnout, with fans eager to witness the subcontinental rivalry unfold on the global stage. The snake incident, while minor, added a moment of levity to the otherwise high-pressure environment.
Players from both sides have remained focused, with India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur emphasizing the importance of staying grounded. “We’re taking it one game at a time. Pakistan is a strong side, and we respect them. The snake was just a reminder that surprises can come from anywhere,” she joked.
India vs Pakistan – Head-to-Head in ICC Women’s World Cup
| Year | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Derby, England | India | Won by 95 runs |
| 2022 | Mount Maunganui | India | Won by 107 runs |
| 2025 (Upcoming) | Colombo, Sri Lanka | TBD | Scheduled for Oct 5 |
The Indian team’s training resumed smoothly after the snake was removed, and no injuries or disruptions were reported. The incident was captured by several media outlets and quickly went viral on social media, with hashtags like #SnakeAtTraining, #WomenInBlue, and #INDvPAK trending across platforms.
Social Media Buzz – Snake Incident at India Women’s Training
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.2M mentions | 85% amused | #SnakeAtTraining #WomenInBlue |
| 1.1M interactions | 82% light-hearted | #INDvPAK #CricketSurprises | |
| 950K views | 88% curious | #ColomboTraining #GarandiyaSnake | |
| YouTube | 870K views | 84% reflective | #SnakeExplained #IndiaWomenCricket |
Fans and commentators praised the team’s composure and the ground staff’s swift handling of the situation. Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle tweeted, “Only in cricket can a snake become part of the pre-match narrative. Kudos to the Indian team for staying focused.”
As the countdown to the India-Pakistan clash continues, the Women in Blue will look to build on their winning momentum, while Pakistan will aim to bounce back and revive their campaign. The snake may have stolen the spotlight momentarily, but all eyes are now firmly on the pitch.
In conclusion, the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 witnessed an unusual moment when a harmless snake interrupted India’s training session ahead of their marquee clash with Pakistan. The incident, while brief, added a touch of humour and humanity to the tournament’s intense atmosphere, reminding fans that cricket often delivers surprises both on and off the field.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match reports, verified media coverage, and official tournament updates. It does not constitute prediction or endorsement of any team’s performance. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. Readers are advised to follow official ICC updates for verified information.
