India vs Pakistan Women's World Cup: 'Toss controversy' shrouds match after referee's error
PTC News Desk: A controversy broke out during the toss of the much-anticipated India-Pakistan match at the Women’s World Cup, held at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. The long-standing no-handshake stance between the two teams, which began during the Asia Cup, continued as captains Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana avoided greeting each other or making eye contact before the toss.
After Harmanpreet flipped the coin, Fatima was clearly heard calling “tails.” However, Australian presenter Mel Jones announced “heads,” and ICC Match Referee Shandre Fritz failed to catch the discrepancy, awarding the toss to Pakistan. Consequently, Pakistan was declared the toss winner and chose to field first.
It's time for some batting firepower ????
Pakistan win the toss and #TeamIndia will bat first! ????
Catch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/CdmEhf3jle#CWC25 ???? #INDvPAK | LIVE NOW on Star Sports network & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/bqYyKrwFLt — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 5, 2025
The toss video has since gone viral on social media, with viewers pointing out that despite Fatima’s call of “tails,” she was still given the toss win even though the coin landed on heads.
Meanwhile, Harmanpreet maintained India’s no-handshake policy with Pakistan. Both captains came out separately for the toss, refrained from exchanging pleasantries, and briefly spoke to Mel Jones afterward before returning to their respective teams.
- With inputs from agencies
