Women's T20 World Cup 2026 closing ceremony: Who is Rita Ora and why England are unhappy with her performing

Women's T20 World Cup 2026 closing ceremony plans are creating a late-match disruption for England, with the ICC’s entertainment timetable clashing with cricket preparation at Lord’s. England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt said her bowlers will lose 30 minutes of main-square preparation because the teams must use the nursery ground during the ceremony. Rita Ora, a British pop star, is scheduled to be on stage from 2:30pm to 3:00pm BST, with the final starting just 30 minutes later. England’s pre-match routine was therefore altered, while Australia captain Sophie Molineux appeared more relaxed, comparing it to a previous Katy Perry show at a World Cup final. The episode highlights the balancing act between elite sporting logistics and headline entertainment.