Toss controversy? Pakistan captain allowed to choose despite wrong call, fans express outrage

Sports News: The sixth match of the Women’s World Cup 2025 between India and Pakistan on Sunday, October 5, started with controversy during the toss. Both captains, Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana, came out for the toss, where Harmanpreet flipped the coin and Fatima made her call.

Confusion at the Toss

Fatima called “tails” as the coin went up, but it landed on “heads.” However, Match Referee Shandre Fritz mistakenly thought Fatima had called “heads” and declared her the winner, allowing her to choose whether to bat or bowl first. The Pakistan captain then decided to bowl. The video of the toss quickly spread across social media, where fans clearly heard Fatima saying “tails,” yet she was still announced as the toss winner. This led to widespread criticism and questions about fairness in the match.

Watch the video here:

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

No-Handshake Policy Continues

During the toss, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur continued the team’s no-handshake stance against Pakistan. Both captains arrived separately, avoided eye contact, and did not exchange greetings. After the coin flip, they spoke briefly to broadcaster Mel Jones and then returned to their teams. This tense moment showed India’s ongoing no-handshake policy, which was also seen during the men’s Asia Cup earlier this year. At that time, Indian men’s captain Suryakumar Yadav and his team avoided handshakes with Pakistan players throughout the tournament, sparking several debates.

India’s Batting Start

In the Women’s World Cup match, India started well with openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal adding 48 runs in 54 balls. Fatima Sana provided the first breakthrough by trapping Mandhana lbw for 23 off 32 balls. Soon after, Rawal was bowled by Sadia Iqbal for 31 off 37. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur also departed early for 19 off 34 balls. Currently, India are playing at 153 for 4 in 34 overs.