‘Azad Kashmir’ row: Ex-Pakistan captain Sana Mir issues clarification on her comments after massive backlash

Synopsis

Former Pakistan captain Sana Mir clarified remarks about "Azad Kashmir" during commentary, stating she only highlighted a player's regional challenges, not politicizing the broadcast. Her comments drew backlash from Indian fans, escalating recent India-Pakistan cricket tensions. Meanwhile, Pakistan lost their opening World Cup match to Bangladesh.

Former Pakistan women’s cricket captain and commentator Sana Mir on Thursday issued a clarification after coming under heavy criticism for referring to an “Azad Kashmir” during her commentary in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.

“It’s unfortunate how things are being blown out of proportion and people in sports are being subjected to unnecessary pressure. It is sad that this requires an explanation at public level,” Mir wrote on X, stressing that her remarks were “only meant to highlight the challenges [the player] faced of coming from a certain region in Pakistan and her incredible journey.”

She added, “Please don’t politicise it. As a commentator on the World Feed, we are meant to focus on the sport, teams, and players, highlighting inspiring stories of grit and perseverance. There is no malice in my heart or any intention to hurt sentiments.”

Mir’s clarification came after her comments during Pakistan’s opening match against Bangladesh went viral.

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While describing batter Natalia Pervaiz’s background, 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 remark drew immediate backlash on social media, with Indian fans tagging the ICC and BCCI, demanding her removal from the commentary panel and alleging that she had politicised the broadcast.

The controversy is the latest in a series of cricket-related tensions between India and Pakistan.

In the recent Men’s T20 Asia Cup, gestures and incidents involving Pakistani players during matches with India had already sparked debates and criticism.

On the field, Pakistan struggled in their opening World Cup match, losing to Bangladesh by seven wickets. Batting first, Pakistan were all out for 129 in 38.3 overs, with Rameen Shamim (23) and Fatima Sana (22) offering brief resistance.

Bangladesh chased down the target comfortably, finishing at 131 for 3 in 31.1 overs, anchored by opener Rubya Haider’s unbeaten 54 off 77 balls and supported by Sobhana Mostary’s 24 not out. Bangladesh bowlers Shorna Akter (3 wickets), Marufa Akter, and Nahida Akter (2 wickets each) ensured a comprehensive victory.

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