Former Pakistan women’s team captain Sana Mir has strongly dismissed criticism from the Indian media over her reference to “Azad Kashmir” during live commentary at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
The controversy began in Pakistan and Bangladesh on Thursday, when she mentioned cricketer Natalia Pervaiz’s hometown as Azad Kashmir.
Indian outlets immediately jumped in and accused her of politicising the broadcast and urged the ICC to take action.
Rahul Rawat of India Today, Aaj Tak, and Sports Tak posted on social media platforms and criticized the commentator.
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
“Former Pakistan captain Sana Mir has stirred a hornet’s nest by bringing up the Kashmir issue during live commentary today… The ICC is expected to act against Sana Mir.”
Senior journalist Vikrant Gupta echoed the sentiment, tagging ICC and BCCI officials while demanding “stern action” against Mir.
Fueling the debate further, Natalia Pervaiz’s Cricinfo profile — which initially listed her birthplace as Bandala, Azad Jammu and Kashmir — was later updated to Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Breaking her silence, Mir took to X to clarify and urged people to stay away from politics.
“It’s unfortunate how things are being blown out of proportion. My comment about a Pakistan player’s hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges she faced and her incredible journey. Please don’t politicise it.”
She emphasized that her words carried no political agenda and that she had no intention of hurting sentiments.
“As commentators, we focus on the sport, teams, and players, telling inspiring stories of grit and perseverance. There is no malice in my heart or intention to hurt sentiments.”