Former Pakistan Cricketer Sana Mir responds after her ‘Azaad Kashmir’ comment
Former Pakistan skipper Sana Mir spoke out after her ‘Azaad Kashmir’ comment in Women’s World Cup commentary stirred controversy.
Former Pakistan women’s captain Sana Mir has spoken out after a major controversy erupted during the Women’s World Cup 2025. While commentating in the Pakistan vs Bangladesh match at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Mir said that cricketer Natalia Pervaiz was from “Azaad Kashmir.” She had first mentioned “Kashmir,” but then quickly corrected herself to “Azaad Kashmir,” which sparked debate.
“Natalia, who is from Azad Kashmir, plays most of her cricket in Lahore. She has to travel there regularly for matches,” Mir said during the official broadcast.
The clip quickly went viral on social media, with many fans tagging the ICC and its chairman, Jay Shah, demanding Sana Mir’s removal from the commentary panel of the Women’s World Cup.
Sana Mir has finally addressed the growing controversy. Posting on X, the 39-year-old clarified that her remarks were being exaggerated and stressed she never intended to make a political statement.
“It’s unfortunate that things are being exaggerated and that people in sports face such unnecessary pressure. It’s sad that this even needs a public explanation,” Sana Mir wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“My remark about a Pakistan player’s hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges she faced growing up in that region and her inspiring journey. As commentators, we often share such stories about where players come from, and today, I did the same for two other players from different regions,” she explained.
Comment was only meant to focus on the sport
The former Pakistan captain urged fans globally to focus on the sport, stressing that she never intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments.
“Please don’t politicise this. As a commentator on the World Feed, our role is to focus on the sport, the teams, and the players, sharing inspiring stories of grit and perseverance. There is no malice in my heart, nor any intention to offend,” Mir wrote.
“I’m also sharing a screenshot showing where I research most of my players, whether from Pakistan or elsewhere. I understand it may have changed now, but this is what I was referring to,” Mir added.
Recent India-Pakistan Cricket Tensions Add Context to the Debate
In the Women’s World Cup 2025 match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, Bangladesh won by seven wickets. This controversy follows tensions from the recent Men’s Asia Cup, where Indian players had refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts.
During the Super 4s match between India and Pakistan, Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan made provocative gestures, referencing the four-day conflict between the two countries during Operation Sindoor.
The Asia Cup 2025 ended with India refusing to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the ACC Chairman. Notably, Naqvi also serves as the Chairman of the PCB and Pakistan’s Interior Minister.
