England unhappy as Rita Ora show disrupts World Cup final preparations

LONDON: England’s preparations for the Women’s T20 World Cup final have taken an unexpected twist, with players expressing frustration over a pre-match performance by pop star Rita Ora that will alter their usual warm-up routine at Lord’s.

The British singer is set to headline the tournament’s closing ceremony on Sunday, performing on the outfield from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm local time, just 30 minutes before the highly anticipated final between arch-rivals England and Australia.

While the entertainment is expected to add glamour to the championship showdown, it has also forced both teams to adjust their pre-match plans. During the performance, players will not be allowed to carry out warm-up drills on the main ground and will instead have to use the nearby Nursery Ground, typically reserved for training sessions and net practice.

For England’s bowlers, the change is far from ideal. Fast bowlers traditionally prefer to mark their run-ups and get a feel for the playing surface before the match begins—an important part of their mental and physical preparation.

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt admitted that several teammates were disappointed when they learned about the revised schedule.

“There are obviously a few moving parts with the pre-game preparations,” she told reporters ahead of the final.

“People like to bowl before the game on one of the bowl-through wickets. We had a few chins down when we found out, but that’s part of playing in a big final. There are lots of things happening beyond the cricket, and hopefully we can still prepare as well as possible.”

Although Sciver-Brunt stressed that the issue was not a major distraction, her comments highlighted the delicate balance between creating a memorable spectacle for fans and ensuring players have the best possible conditions to perform.

Closing ceremonies featuring international music stars have become increasingly common at major sporting events, with organizers aiming to enhance the overall fan experience. However, the scheduling has occasionally sparked debate when it affects athletes’ routines.

Australia captain Sophie Molineux, meanwhile, took a lighter view of the situation. Laughing off the disruption, she joked, “I’m assuming if Rita Ora is here, we can evacuate the dance floor, that’s for sure.”

Her relaxed response reflected Australia’s confidence as they prepare for another major final against England.

With the historic Lord’s set to host both world-class cricket and live entertainment, all eyes will be on whether the unusual pre-match arrangements have any impact once the first ball is bowled. Regardless of the off-field distractions, fans can expect another fierce chapter in one of women’s cricket’s greatest rivalries.