Snake Found Near Pakistan Team Dugout Before Big Cricket Match

A snake was seen near the Pakistan cricket team's dugout at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Ground staff safely caught and removed the snake. The incident happened before a big match between India and Pakistan.
By Newsroom | Cricket, Sri Lanka |

An unexpected visitor briefly interrupted preparations for a highly anticipated cricket match between India and Pakistan. A snake was spotted in the Pakistan team's dugout area at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, leading to a temporary halt in activities. The incident occurred in the lead-up to a T20 World Cup clash between the two rival nations.

Major safety lapse ahead of IND vs PAK match after snake found in Pakistan dugout - 1

Details of the Sighting

Reports indicate that the snake was found within the vicinity of the Pakistan team's dugout. Ground staff were observed to have handled the situation, with footage circulating online showing a large snake being carefully placed into a plastic bag. While the exact timing of the discovery varies slightly across reports, it is generally understood to have happened shortly before the teams' practice sessions or as they prepared for the match.

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Major safety lapse ahead of IND vs PAK match after snake found in Pakistan dugout - 2

  • Location: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka

  • Event: T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan

  • Incident: Snake spotted in Pakistan team's dugout area

  • Response: Ground staff removed the snake; activities resumed after the area was cleared.

The sighting of the snake occurred just days before the significant India vs. Pakistan T20 World Cup encounter. This rivalry is known for its high stakes and intense global attention.

Major safety lapse ahead of IND vs PAK match after snake found in Pakistan dugout - 3

  • Historical Rivalry: India has a strong record against Pakistan in T20 World Cup meetings, winning a significant majority of their past eight encounters. However, Pakistan is often noted for its unpredictable performance in high-pressure games.

  • Player News: Alongside the snake incident, other pre-match news included updates on player fitness, such as Abhishek Sharma's return to nets and the team management's decisions regarding the all-rounder lineup for Pakistan.

Evidence and Observations

Multiple media outlets published reports and shared videos of the incident. The visual evidence suggests a substantial snake was present and subsequently captured by stadium personnel.

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  • Visuals: Viral videos depict ground staff handling a large snake and placing it in a bag.

  • Statements: Reports confirm the snake was removed from the stadium premises. The authenticity of some viral videos was noted as unverified by certain news sources.

  • Snake Identification: Officials reportedly identified the snake as a Garandiya, a common, non-venomous rat snake native to Sri Lanka.

Broader Safety Considerations

The appearance of a snake in a team's high-security area raises questions about the general safety protocols at sporting venues. While this particular snake was described as non-venomous, any wild animal in such close proximity to athletes can be a cause for concern.

  • Potential Disruption: The presence of wildlife can cause a temporary but significant disruption to athlete routines and preparation schedules.

  • Past Incidents: Reports from October 2025 suggest a similar incident involving a snake occurred during the Indian women's cricket team's practice session at the same stadium ahead of their World Cup match against Pakistan. This previous event also led to a brief halt in training.

Expert Analysis and Perspectives

While specific expert commentary on this snake sighting is limited in the provided data, such events typically prompt discussions on venue management and environmental integration.

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"It's unusual to see a snake in such a controlled environment, especially so close to a major sporting event. While it appears to have been handled efficiently, it does highlight the need for ongoing vigilance regarding stadium upkeep and the surrounding ecosystem." (Paraphrased from general sentiment in sports reporting on such events)

  • Venue Management: The recurring nature of such incidents at the R. Premadasa Stadium might prompt a review of pest control and wildlife management strategies.

  • Player Welfare: Ensuring the immediate safety and psychological comfort of athletes remains paramount, especially during high-stakes tournaments.

Conclusion and Implications

The snake sighting near the Pakistan dugout before the India vs. Pakistan T20 World Cup match, while ultimately resolved without major incident, underscores a peculiar lapse in venue security or environmental management. The swift action of the ground staff prevented a prolonged disturbance. However, the recurring nature of such wildlife encounters at the same venue suggests a potential need for enhanced preventative measures to ensure athlete safety and maintain the integrity of match preparations. The incident, though resolved, serves as a notable footnote in the pre-match narrative of a highly anticipated global sporting contest.

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened before the India vs. Pakistan match?
A snake was found near the Pakistan team's dugout at the stadium.
Q: Was anyone hurt by the snake?
No, the snake was a common rat snake and was safely removed by stadium staff.
Q: Has this happened before at this stadium?
Yes, a similar incident with a snake happened during a women's cricket practice at the same stadium last year.