Former Pakistan women’s cricket captain Sana Mir has responded after a major controversy broke out over her commentary during the Women’s World Cup 2025. While on air during Pakistan’s match against Bangladesh at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Mir referred to player Natalia Pervaiz as hailing from “Azad Kashmir.”
The remark quickly went viral on social media. Initially, Mir said “Kashmir” before correcting herself to “Azad Kashmir.” Her statement triggered angry reactions, with several fans tagging the ICC and its chairman, Jay Shah, demanding her removal from the commentary panel.
Player ‘from Azad Kashmir’ is this kind of commentary allowed?
And then they say keep politics away from sports. pic.twitter.com/1HSHjRWMZG
— Lala (@FabulasGuy) October 2, 2025
Sana Mir Issues Clarification
Sana Mir took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify her words. She said her comment was never intended as a political statement but only to highlight a player’s background and struggles.
“It’s unfortunate how things are being blown out of proportion and people in sports are being subjected to unnecessary pressure. Sadly, this requires an explanation at the public level,” 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… pic.twitter.com/G722fLj17C
— Sana Mir ثناء میر (@mir_sana05) October 2, 2025
She added, “My comment about a Pakistan player’s hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges she faced in coming from a certain region in Pakistan and her incredible journey. It is part of the storytelling we do as commentators as to where the players come from. I did that today for two other players coming from other regions, too.”
“No Malice in My Heart”
The 39-year-old urged fans to focus on cricket rather than bringing politics into sports.
“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,” she said.
Mir also attached a screenshot showing the research material she uses on players, noting that the source had since been updated.
Backdrop of Rising Indo-Pakistan Tensions
The controversy surrounding Mir comes at a time when cricket relations between India and Pakistan are under intense scrutiny. During the Men’s Asia Cup 2025, Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts.
That tournament also witnessed tensions when Pakistani players Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan made provocative gestures linked to the four-day conflict between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
The Asia Cup ended with another flashpoint, as Team India refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who serves as both the PCB Chairman and Pakistan’s Interior Minister.
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