Former Pakistan women’s cricket captain Sana Mir has found herself at the center of a heated controversy after referring to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as “Azad Kashmir” during live commentary in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. The comment, made during Pakistan’s opening match against Bangladesh on October 2 in Colombo, sparked widespread backlash from Indian fans and commentators, prompting Mir to issue a public clarification.
While introducing Pakistan batter Natalia Pervaiz—who hails from Bandala, a town in Pakistan-administered Kashmir—Mir described her as “coming from Azad Kashmir,” a term commonly used in Pakistan but politically sensitive in India. The remark, though intended to highlight the player’s journey from a remote region, was quickly flagged on social media as a violation of geopolitical norms, especially given the strained cricketing relations between India and Pakistan.
Sana Mir’s Commentary Controversy – Timeline of Events
| Date | Event Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 2, 2025 | Sana Mir refers to “Azad Kashmir” on-air | ICC Women’s World Cup, Colombo |
| Oct 2, 2025 | Social media backlash begins | Indian fans demand ICC response |
| Oct 3, 2025 | Mir issues public clarification | Posts statement on X (formerly Twitter) |
Mir, 39, is part of the official commentary panel for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Her remark came during a segment highlighting the backgrounds of players, where she said, “Natalia, who comes from Kashmir, Azad Kashmir, plays in Lahore, a lot of cricket. She has to come to Lahore to play most of her cricket there.”
The phrase “Azad Kashmir” refers to the Pakistan-administered part of Jammu and Kashmir, a region claimed by both India and Pakistan. Indian fans quickly took offense, pointing out that the correct term is “Pakistan-occupied Kashmir” (PoK), and accused Mir of politicizing the broadcast.
Sana Mir’s Clarification – Key Points from Her Statement
| Statement Element | Summary | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Intent of Comment | Highlighting player’s journey | No political motive, purely storytelling |
| Source of Information | ESPNcricinfo player profile | Profile initially listed “Azad Kashmir” |
| Reaction to Backlash | “Sad that this requires public explanation” | Urged fans not to politicize sports |
| Broader Message | Focus on perseverance and grit | Commentators meant to inspire, not divide |
In her post on X, Mir wrote, “My comment about a Pakistan player’s hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges she faced coming from a certain region in Pakistan and her incredible journey. It is part of the storytelling we do as commentators about where the players come from. Please don’t politicise it.”
She also shared a screenshot of ESPNcricinfo’s player profile for Natalia Pervaiz, which initially listed her birthplace as “Bandala, Azad Jammu and Kashmir.” The site later updated the entry to “Pakistan-administered Kashmir” following the controversy.
Natalia Pervaiz – Player Profile and Background
| Attribute | Details | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Natalia Pervaiz | Pakistan women’s team batter |
| Birthplace | Bandala, Pakistan-administered Kashmir | Previously listed as “Azad Kashmir” |
| Age | 29 | Emerging talent from remote region |
| Domestic Base | Lahore | Plays most cricket in Punjab |
| World Cup Role | Middle-order batter | Featured in match vs Bangladesh |
The incident coincided with Pakistan’s disappointing performance in their opening match, where they were bowled out for just 129 runs in 38.3 overs. Bangladesh chased down the target with ease, winning by seven wickets and nearly 20 overs to spare. Mir’s commentary aimed to spotlight individual resilience despite the team’s struggles.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh – Match Summary (Oct 2, 2025)
| Team | Innings Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 129 all out (38.3 overs) | Lost by 7 wickets |
| Bangladesh | 130/3 (31.1 overs) | Rubya Haider scored unbeaten 54 |
| Top Pakistan Batter | Rameen Shamim (23 runs) | No major partnerships |
| Venue | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Women’s World Cup group stage |
The controversy also comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor. During the Asia Cup, Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts or accept the trophy from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also holds a top government position in Pakistan.
With India scheduled to face Pakistan in the Women’s World Cup group stage on October 5, the political undertones surrounding the tournament have intensified. Indian fans have urged the ICC and BCCI to take note of Mir’s remarks, with some calling for her removal from the commentary panel.
India vs Pakistan – Upcoming Women’s World Cup Fixture
| Match Detail | Date & Venue | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Fixture | India Women vs Pakistan Women | Group stage clash |
| Date | October 5, 2025 | High-stakes rivalry |
| Venue | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Neutral ground amid tensions |
| Broadcast Panel | Includes Sana Mir | Under scrutiny after recent remarks |
Despite the backlash, many fans and commentators have defended Mir, emphasizing her legacy as a trailblazer in Pakistan women’s cricket. Mir captained the national team from 2009 to 2020, leading Pakistan to multiple ICC events and winning the Asian Games gold medal in 2010 and 2014.
Sana Mir – Career Highlights and Legacy
| Achievement | Year/Details | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan Captain | 2009–2020 | Led team through transformative decade |
| ICC Events | 3 World Cups, 5 Asia Cups | Consistent performer and leader |
| Asian Games Gold | 2010, 2014 | Historic wins for Pakistan |
| Retirement | April 2020 | Transitioned to commentary and advocacy |
| Advocacy Work | Gender equality, sports development | Prominent voice in South Asian cricket |
Mir’s message to fans was clear: focus on the sport and the inspiring journeys of players, rather than politicizing commentary. “There is no malice in my heart or any intention to hurt sentiments,” she wrote.
Social media platforms have seen polarized reactions, with hashtags like #SanaMir, #AzadKashmirControversy, and #WomenInCricket trending across Twitter/X, Facebook, and YouTube.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Sana Mir’s Comment
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.4M mentions | 72% critical | #SanaMir #AzadKashmirControversy |
| 1.2M interactions | 75% reflective | #WomenInCricket #CommentaryDebate | |
| 950K views | 78% mixed | #CricketPolitics #NataliaPervaiz | |
| YouTube | 870K views | 80% analytical | #MirExplained #WorldCup2025 |
In conclusion, Sana Mir’s controversial reference to “Azad Kashmir” during Women’s World Cup commentary has sparked a geopolitical debate that transcends sport. While her intent was to highlight a player’s journey, the reaction underscores the sensitivities surrounding language and identity in international cricket. As the tournament progresses, the focus must return to the players, their performances, and the spirit of the game.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match reports, verified media coverage, and official commentary. It does not constitute endorsement or prediction of any political or sporting outcome. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. Readers are advised to follow official ICC and BCCI updates for verified information.
