Confusion over the toss during Sunday’s India-Pakistan Women’s World Cup match at the R. Premadasa Stadium sparked controversy and allegations of unfair play.
At the toss, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur flipped the coin while Pakistan captain Fatima Sana appeared to call “tails.” However, toss presenter Mel Jones and match referee Shandre Fritz announced that the call was “heads.” The coin landed on heads, and the officials declared Pakistan the winner of the toss. Sana immediately chose to bowl first.
The incident prompted a backlash online, with fans accusing officials of a blunder that unfairly favored Pakistan. Several video clips circulating on social media appeared to show Sana calling “tails,” leading many to question how Pakistan was awarded the toss.
Cricket analysts described the mix-up as an “embarrassing error” in a high-stakes World Cup fixture between the two rivals. Some commentators said the confusion could have strategic implications, especially with overcast conditions in Colombo.
Adding to the tension, both captains refrained from shaking hands at the toss — a gesture that has become increasingly rare in recent India-Pakistan encounters.
The International Cricket Council has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. (Newswire)
TOSS BLUNDER 🚨
Fatima Sana said ‘tails’, but it was a ‘Head’ – Still Pakistan won the toss 😆
– What’s your take 🤔 #INDvPAK #INDWvsPAKW #INDWvPAKW pic.twitter.com/GKhZBqH6tc
— 𝙊𝙋 𝙑𝙄𝙉 🆇 (@vinsaa96) October 5, 2025
