Women’s World Cup 2025: ‘We focus on what we came here for’ – Fatima Sana not concerned about outside noise ahead of India clash

Pakistan Women’s skipper Fatima Sana has cleared out any doubt regarding her team’s focus ahead of their Women’s World Cup clash against India, which is scheduled for Sunday, October 5.

Fatima also pointed out that the World Cup and its significance is far more important than any other distractions off the field. Fatima’s comments come in the wake of heightened tensions between the two cricketing teams post the men’s Asia Cup. 

“Absolutely, the first thing is, if we see ourselves, we are like a family — twenty or twenty-two people together. Our focus is not so much on what’s happening outside, obviously whatever happens, we notice in the surroundings. But the point is, our focus remains on the game, because obviously the World Cup is an event that every player waits for to come here. We try that since we are here, we focus on what we came here for,” stated Fatima, as quoted by India Today.

The bowling all-rounder also addressed the team’s main goal will be to play to the best of their ability while trying to maintain cordial relationships with other teams. She seemed completely focused on what the goal was for herself and her team.

“Obviously, our main goal is to play. When we come here, the focus is on the game. We try to maintain good relations with other teams, and whatever spirit of the game comes, we try to fulfill it. And obviously, previously, the way Bismah ma’am and Fatima enjoyed the mix-up (back in the 2022 World Cup when both teams spent time with Bismah Maroof’s daughter), we as players liked it, but the first thing is to focus on why we are here,” she added.

Pakistan women are coming on the back of an massive defeat to Bangladesh in their tournament-opening clash as they ended up losing by seven wickets with 113 balls to spare. Pakistan will look to register their first ODI win against India, who have won all 11 ODIs they have played since 2005.