ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Pakistani Players using an air freshener spray before the Indians enter the ground- what’s the truth

The players were actually using insect repellent not air freshener

India showcased their dominance over Pakistan in women’s cricket by securing an 88-run victory in the Women’s World Cup match on 5 October at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This win marked India’s 12th consecutive victory against Pakistan since their first matchup in 2005.

Following this match, a video of Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana spraying something on the ground is going viral on social media with the claim such as “Pakistani Players used an air freshener spray before the INDIANS stepped on the ground”

Let’s check the truth

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Fact Check- 

We began our investigation with keyword and reverse image search on Google and the results led us to several media reports featuring the screen shot of the viral video. According to reports, “Fatima used the pest spray on the pitch after the game had to be halted for a few minutes due to excessive bugs and pests. The incident occurred when a swarm of flies disrupted play, causing huge discomfort to players from both sides at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The organisers decided to do an impromptu pest control at the venue”. 

The game in Colombo was halted for 15 minutes owing to an insect swarm, during which Fatima Sana sprayed repellent on the pitch. With bugs affecting players from both teams, officials instructed them to leave the field while a fumigation operation was carried out to control the pest problem. The on-field operation took about 15 minutes, during which the damaged areas were treated to ensure player safety and minimize interruption from the buzzing pests. After the fumigation, the teams returned to the field and played again.

In the Women’s World Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan, play in Colombo was halted twice due to bugs and flies at the stadium. Pest control was applied, and the match resumed.

Conclusion- 

Fact Crescendo found that the claim made along with the video to be Misleading. The Pakistani players were actually using insect repellent. The match in Colombo was temporarily halted for 15 minutes owing to an insect swarm, during which Fatima Sana sprayed repellent on the pitch.