The Pakistan skipper was simply using a bug spray to ward off flies that were bothering players. Indian players were also visibly swatting at flies, and the umpires had to pause the game momentarily to allow the Pakistan team to manage the situation.

During the Women's World Cup match between India and Pakistan, play was briefly halted due to a swarm of bugs interrupting the game. Amid the disruption, Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana was seen using a spray during India’s innings, a moment that quickly went viral on social media.

This led to speculation online, with one X (formerly Twitter) user by the name of Aditya claiming that the Pakistan women’s team was using some kind of drug to make Indian players feel dizzy. While another X account Crime Reporters India claimed that air fresheners were being sprayed by Pakistan players before Indian players entered the field.

Is there any truth to claims regarding Fatima Sana?

However, according to X account D-Intent Data, the claim about Fatima Sana spraying drug is completely untrue. The handle claimed that the Pakistan skipper was simply using a insect repellent to ward off flies that were bothering players. Indian players were also visibly swatting at flies, and the umpires had to pause the game momentarily to allow the Pakistan team to manage the situation.

Fumigation session halts play

With bugs bothering players of both teams, umpires asked them to leave the field while a fumigation session was carried out to manage the insect problem. A staff member wearing a full protective respirator, complete with a snout and mask, ran onto the field with fumigation equipment. The on-field operation lasted approximately 15 minutes, during which the affected areas were treated to ensure player safety and minimize disruption from the buzzing pests. Once the fumigation concluded, the teams returned to the field, and play resumed under the watchful eyes of the umpires. 

Harmanpreet Kaur & Co. avoid handshakes 

The India Women’s cricket team decided againt doing handshake with Pakistan team after crushing them by 88 runs. During the customary handshake ceremony, the Indian players walked past the Pakistan team, with no formal exchanges of gestures of sportsmanship. This incident follows a similar occurrence in the men’s India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash, where handshake protocols were also skipped.