COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: India faced strong criticism on Sunday after Pakistan’s opener Muneeba Ali was controversially run out during their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 group-stage clash in Colombo, sparking a debate over sportsmanship and fair play in cricket.
The incident occurred in the fourth over of Pakistan’s innings as they began their chase of India’s 247-run total — the first time Pakistan have bowled out India in a one-day international.
Facing a fuller delivery from Indian pacer Kranti Goud, Muneeba was initially trapped in front of the wicket, prompting a loud appeal for leg-before-wicket (LBW) that was turned down by the on-field umpire.
As the batter looked towards the non-striker’s end after the appeal, Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma, fielding close to the crease, picked up the ball and threw it at the stumps.
Replays showed that while Muneeba had grounded her bat after playing the delivery, she briefly lifted it as the throw hit the stumps.
After a third-umpire review, Muneeba was declared run out — a decision that left her visibly stunned and Pakistan captain Fatima Sana questioning the spirit of the game.
Rules and reaction
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) playing conditions, a batter can be run out if they are outside the crease at any time while the ball is in play and the wicket is fairly broken by a fielder, regardless of whether a run is being attempted.
While technically within the laws, the dismissal reignited debate over the spirit of cricket, reminiscent of similar controversies in past tournaments.
Social media erupted with criticism of India’s fielders and the match officials, with many fans calling the incident “unsportsmanlike” and “against the spirit of the game.”
“India did not show any sportsmanship and ran Muneeba Ali out. This is ugly for the game of cricket,” one fan posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Controversy in Colombo! India did not show any sportsmanship and ran Muneeba Ali out. This is ugly for the game of cricket 🇮🇳👎🏽
Pakistan must protest to the ICC 🇵🇰‼️ #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/fClM4xYngN
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) October 5, 2025
Another user alleged bias in officiating, writing: “Muneeba Ali was initially given not out because she had placed her bat behind the crease but after some time, the umpire gave her out. This is really poor. Even BCCI can’t resist rigging a women’s game.”
Muneeba Ali was initially given not out because she had placed her bat behind the crease but after some time, the umpire gave her out. This is really poor. @BCCI, even ragging a women’s game . Have some shame#icc #BCCI #WomensWorldCup2025 pic.twitter.com/GwtZXIwSo2
— Zohaib Hassan 🇵🇰 (@Zohaib6809) October 5, 2025
Just how was Muneeba Ali out here. She had grounded the bat while the appeal was on. She was not going for a run. Ball hit the stumps… Under which rule has she been given out
— Amit (@nottheamit) October 5, 2025
Controversial Decision for sure.
Muneeba ali adjusted run out by Third Umpire #INDvsPAK #WomensWorldCup2025 #INDvPak pic.twitter.com/pq2cWDLKpN— Devendra (@Devendra786s) October 5, 2025
What a shame, Muneeba Ali was given run out against India while she was comfortably back in the crease.
The review was reversed as well.#ICCWomensCricket #iccwomenworldcup pic.twitter.com/l7lpMCSaxz
— Ali Sethi (@Alisethi_1) October 5, 2025
Muneeba Ali was first given out by the third umpire, then the decision was reviewed again and upheld. Has this ever happened before? pic.twitter.com/eDKDrVAIDh
— Abdul Wasey Naik (@WaseyNaik) October 5, 2025
Muneeba’s dismissal in the fourth over left Pakistan reeling early in their pursuit of 248. She had opened the innings with Sadaf Shamas, who also struggled to find momentum against India’s disciplined bowling attack.
Earlier, Pakistan had delivered an inspired performance with the ball, dismissing India for 247 — the first time they have bowled out their arch-rivals in a Women’s ODI.
