An unusual incident occurred before the Ranji Trophy match between Jammu & Kashmir and Vidarbha, with the toss being conducted twice after an error was reportedly found in J&K’s submitted playing XI.
J&K initially won the toss and elected to field. However, its submitted team sheet reportedly contained one player’s name twice, an error that came to light after the initial toss.
According to several eyewitnesses who spoke to Kashmir Sports Watch, the matter was taken up with Vidarbha captain, following which it was decided that the toss would be conducted again. Vidarbha won the second toss and opted to field.
The incident brings into focus Clause 1.2.1 of the BCCI’s Men’s Multi-day Playing Conditions, which states: “No player (member of the playing eleven) may be changed after the nomination without the consent of the opposing captain.”
Repeat tosses are rare in cricket, although they have occurred before. During the 2011 World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka, the toss was conducted twice after match referee Jeff Crowe said he had not heard Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara’s call.
More recently, the toss was repeated during IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals for the same reason: the match referee had not heard the captain’s call. The circumstances in the J&K–Vidarbha match, involving a reported team-sheet error, were different.
Kashmir Sports Watch contacted the BCCI match referee for the J&K–Vidarbha fixture, J&K’s co-manager and Vidarbha manager for their versions of the incident. All declined to comment.
A detailed questionnaire has also been sent to the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), seeking clarification on the incorrect team sheet, the consultation with Vidarbha’s captain and the basis for conducting the toss again. JKCA’s response was awaited at the time of publication.
Vidarbha eventually won the closely contested match by three wickets.
