Former Pakistan cricketer Sana Mir has responded to the controversy surrounding her reference to "Azad Kashmir" during live commentary at the ICC Women's World Cup 2025.
The incident occurred on Thursday during the Pakistan vs Bangladesh clash when Mir, while discussing cricketer Natalia Pervaiz, remarked:
"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."
Her words triggered strong reactions on social media, with many Indian users pointing out that the region she mentioned is actually Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (Pok). Critics accused Mir of deliberately using the term to create controversy.
Later in the evening, Mir issued a clarification on social media, calling the matter "blown out of proportion." She explained that her remark had no political intent and was based on player details sourced from ESPNcricinfo, which she uses frequently for research as a commentator.
Sana Mir's Clarification
Taking to X, Mir wrote:
“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. My comment about a Pakistan player's hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges she faced of coming from a certain region in Pakistan and her incredible journey. It is part of the story telling we do as commentators as where the players come from. I did that today for two other players coming from other regions, too. Please don’t politicise it.”
She added that as part of the World Feed commentary team, her role is to share background stories about players, focusing on their resilience and journeys rather than politics.
“There is no malice in my heart or any intention to hurt sentiments. I am also attaching the screen shot of where I research most of my players from, whether from Pakistan or any other country. I realise that they have changed it by now, but this is what I was referring to,” Mir clarified.
Despite her explanation, the remark has continued to spark debate online, reflecting the sensitivity of the Kashmir issue in sporting and political contexts.
