It was supposed to be another high-voltage India vs Pakistan encounter at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, but before a single ball was bowled, controversy struck. During the toss at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana’s call created a storm online. The moment, which should have been routine, has now become the centre of heated debate after a clear discrepancy between what was said and what was heard changed the course of the pre-match proceedings.
Fatima Sana’s toss controversy ignites debate in India–Pakistan Women’s World Cup
As the two captains, Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima, walked out for the toss, tension was already in the air. Harmanpreet flipped the coin, and Fatima made her call. The young Pakistan captain could be heard distinctly saying ‘tails’ on the live microphone. However, broadcaster , in an apparent miscommunication, repeated ‘heads’ to the audience. The coin landed on heads, yet the officials, led by match referee Shandre Fritz, announced that Pakistan had won the toss. Neither Fritz nor Harmanpreet contested the decision, allowing Pakistan to choose bowling first. The incident quickly went viral across social media, where users circulated the clip pointing out the audible mistake. The fact that the Pakistan captain remained silent despite realizing the mix-up only added fuel to the debate.
Toss drama in IND vs PAK!
Fatima Sana was declared the winner and chose to bowl, but she reportedly called tails while the coin landed on heads!
Referee Mel Jones was heard saying “heads is the call,” suggesting a major mix-up.
— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) October 5, 2025
Beyond the toss controversy, the scene also reflected the growing frost between the two sides. Following the ‘no-handshake policy’ first adopted by India’s men’s team during the Asia Cup, Harmanpreet’s side maintained the same stance. Both captains avoided pleasantries, walking separately to the pitch and barely exchanging a glance during the toss ceremony. After the flip, they briefly addressed broadcaster Mel Jones and immediately walked back to their respective teams.
Play halted as bug fumigation interrupts India vs Pakistan Women’s World Cup Clash in Colombo
In a bizarre turn of events at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, play was halted during the high-voltage India vs Pakistan Women’s World Cup 2025 encounter due to a scheduled round of bug fumigation. India were 154/4 after 34 overs when players were asked to leave the field for safety reasons. The interruption came just as India were building momentum following a steady recovery from early setbacks. Harleen Deol’s composed 46 and Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 28 had guided India to a respectable position after losing Smriti Mandhana (23) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (19). Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Fatima, Rameen Shamim and Sadia Iqbal, kept the scoring in check with disciplined spells. The unusual delay left both teams bemused, as officials ensured proper fumigation before play could resume. The break, though unexpected, offered both sides a breather in what had been an intense and evenly balanced contest up to that point.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
