'How can they make mistakes like this?': Match referee commits toss blunder in IND W vs PAK W, World Cup clash

Match referee commits toss blunder in IND W vs PAK W, World Cup clash

The ICC Women's World Cup clash between India and Pakistan witnessed a major blunder by match referee Shandre Fritz, which occurred during the toss. India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur flipped the coin and Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana appeared to have called "tails". However, Fritz mistook it for "heads", leading to a major blunder even before the action began.

Assuming Pakistan had called "heads" they were asked to choose between bat or bowl and Fatima opted to field first. Interestingly, even the Pakistan skipper remained tight-lipped over the gaffe and chose to carry on with the proceedings. Here is the video of the toss:

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 glaring error was highlighted by several users online, who were quick to slam the mistake in an already politically charged contest. Here are a few reactions:

TOSS BLUNDER Fatima Sana said 'tails', but it was a 'Head' - Still Pakistan won the toss - What's your take #INDvPAKpic.twitter.com/Cde7sFP5VE — Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) October 5, 2025

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. pic.twitter.com/R71LkYvqvb — Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) October 5, 2025

Fatima Sana Pakistan Women's Team Captain during the toss said Tails ... Match referee called it as Heads... Now imagine if India would have been on the other side...#INDWvsPAKW#CWC25pic.twitter.com/tuT3BW9eye — AT10 (@Loyalsachfan10) October 5, 2025

She definitely said 'tails'. How can they make mistakes like this? #indvpakpic.twitter.com/xuInUgvyIR

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— d (@KoolKomorebi) October 5, 2025

Meanwhile, on expected lines Harmanpreet Kaur did not shake hands with her Pakistan counterpart Fatima Sana, maintaining the trend set by the men's team in Asia Cup.

The BCCI had conveyed the players to avoid customary handshake with members of the Pakistani team. Mel Jones conducted the toss and both the captains maintained their distance during the ceremony.

India, who enjoy an 11-0 record over Pakistan in the ODI format, made a forced change to their playing eleven with Renuka Singh replacing an injured Amanjot Kaur.

Pakistan replaced Omaima Sohali with Sadaf Shamas.