Ahead of India’s crucial ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 match against Pakistan, the Indian women’s team got more than just batting and bowling to think about during an evening training session at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, a snake made a surprise entrance on the field.

The incident occurred as the players were moving from the center wicket toward the nets. A greyish-brown creature later identified as a rat snake (nicknamed “Garandiya” locally) was seen slithering along the drains and stands. Fortunately, it was declared harmless by ground officials, who clarified it was nonvenomous and posed no threat.

Instead of panic, the unexpected visitor elicited laughter and curiosity. Media personnel, support staff, and players observed it with mild amusement and after a short pause, training resumed. The stadium, incidentally, has a track record for such appearances with similar snake sightings reported during Lanka Premier League fixtures and an ODI between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh earlier this year.

For India, however, focus soon turned back to cricket. They had already tasted success in their opening match recovering from early wickets to post 269/8 (in a 47-over match) and then bowling out Sri Lanka for 211 to win by 59 runs (DLS method). Pakistan, on the other hand, had suffered a defeat in their first match, making the upcoming clash even more decisive.

Beyond the surprise reptile, the mood carried familiar intensity. India and Pakistan matches often bear symbolic weight beyond sport, and this one is no different. Given existing political sensitivities, protocols like no handshakes have been anticipated.

Ultimately, the snake incident became a light, humanizing moment amid the pressure of international cricket. It reminded everyone on site that nature has its own timing and even in high-stakes arenas, simple reminders of life’s unpredictability can bring unexpected levity. The Women in Blue, with composure intact, resumed their warmups and refocused on the battle ahead with one more tale to add to their World Cup journey.