Bug outbreak disrupts IND vs PAK clash, groundsmen rush in with pest control measures

The marquee India vs Pakistan Women’s World Cup 2025 clash in Colombo on Sunday, October 5, was temporarily brought to a halt after a sudden surge of bugs forced players to walk off the field. Groundsmen rushed in with pest control measures, spraying the pitch and outfield to ensure the game could safely continue.

The interruption lasted approximately 15 minutes, with officials confirming that the lost time would be taken from a short innings break, ensuring no overs are lost in the tightly contested match. Such stoppages are rare in international cricket, where delays are usually caused by rain, bad light, or weather-related interruptions.

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India found themselves in a tricky position when Harleen Deol was dismissed just short of her half-century. The top-order struggled to fire, leaving the team under pressure to post a competitive total against their neighbours. Pakistan bowlers Fatima Sana, Diana Baig, and Rameem Shamim struck at crucial moments, applying consistent pressure throughout the innings.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur followed the precedent set by the men’s team during last month’s Asia Cup, choosing to skip the customary handshake with Pakistan amid ongoing tensions between the two countries.

The tropical climate and recent heavy rainfall in Sri Lanka may have contributed to the bug outbreak, creating perfect conditions for the sudden swarm.

Earlier in the tournament, the Indian team had another unusual encounter at the ground when a snake appeared during a training session. The reptile, identified as a non-venomous rat snake, or “Garandiya” in Sinhalese, is a familiar sight at the R Premadasa Stadium. Similar sightings have occurred during Lanka Premier League fixtures and even a Sri Lanka-Bangladesh ODI earlier this year, making it something of an unusual tradition.

On Friday, the greyish-brown snake was seen slithering along drains and stands as players moved from the centre wicket to the nets. Far from panicking, the Indian cricketers, support staff, and media present were amused by the sight. A ground official reassured that the snake posed no threat, saying, “It’s not venomous. It doesn’t bite. It’s just looking for rats.”

Despite the unusual interruptions, the Women in Blue remained focused on their World Cup campaign, aiming to post a strong total and maintain their winning momentum in the tournament.

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