Toss controversy marred India-Pak Women's World Cup Game

The Match 6 of the Women’s World Cup 2025 between India and Pakistan on Sunday, October 5, was marred by controversy at the toss. As the two captains, Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana, made their way out for the toss, the India captain spun the coin while the Pakistan skipper made the call.

Fatima eventually won the toss and opted to bowl first. However, the Match Referee, Shandre Fritz, ended up making a big blunder, mishearing Fatima’s call and giving her the choice to decide whether to bat or bowl first.

The toss clip has been going viral all over social media, where the Pakistan skipper can be clearly heard choosing ‘tails’ but was still declared as the toss winner despite the coin falling with heads.

No-Handshake Continues

Meanwhile, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur continued the team's no-handshake policy against archrivals Pakistan during the toss. Harmanpreet and Fatima walked out separately for the toss and did not exchange pleasantries or even make eye contact. Once the coin flip was done, the two spoke to broadcaster Mel Jones before heading back to their respective teams.

The brief but tense moment reaffirmed India's continued adherence to the no-handshake policy first seen during the men's Asia Cup earlier this year. India men’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and his team didn’t shake hands or exchange pleasantries with their Pakistan counterparts during all three matches of the continental tournament, which sparked a myriad of controversies.