What began as an attempt to highlight a player’s journey quickly turned into a social media storm for former Pakistan captain and current ICC commentator Sana Mir, after she referred to “Azad Kashmir” during live commentary in the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 match between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The match, played in Colombo under the hybrid hosting model (with Pakistan’s matches held in Sri Lanka), saw Natalia Pervaiz come out to bat for Pakistan. While describing the player’s background, Mir said:
“Natalia, who comes from Kashmir, Azad Kashmir, plays a lot of her cricket in Lahore. She has to come to Lahore to play most of her cricket there.”
That one phrase – “Azad Kashmir” sparked a furious backlash on social media, particularly from Indian fans and commentators who objected to the term, which refers to the region internationally known as Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The phrase, used commonly in Pakistan, is highly sensitive in Indian discourse, especially when used on international platforms.
A Social Media Flashpoint
Within hours, the clip went viral, with several Indian X (formerly Twitter) users tagging the ICC, BCCI, and key figures like Jay Shah and Amit Shah, demanding that Sana Mir be removed from the commentary panel. Some even labelled the remark “anti-India propaganda” and called for stricter regulations on political references during live sporting broadcasts.
A user named AT10 commented:
“Sana Mir is doing commentary for the ICC World Cup… Remove her @ICC from the panel.”
Another, Ajay Jangid, wrote:
“What the hell is ‘Azaad Kashmir’? Using this on a global stage is outrageous. Ban Sana Mir. There is NO ‘Azaad Kashmir.'”
Sana Mir Responds: “No Malice in My Heart”
Facing mounting pressure, Sana Mir issued a clarification on her official X handle, saying it was “unfortunate” that her comment was being politicized and “blown out of proportion.”
“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 a public level.”
She explained that her remark was made in the context of telling players’ stories – a standard practice in sports commentary to humanize athletes and spotlight their journeys.
“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. There is no malice in my heart or any intention to hurt sentiments.”
Mir even shared a screenshot from ESPNCricinfo – one of the most widely used cricket databases – which, at the time, listed Natalia’s place of origin as “Azad Kashmir,” stating it was the source she referenced.
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.
— Sana Mir ثناء میر (@mir_sana05) October 2, 2025
My comment about a Pakistan player's hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges… pic.twitter.com/G722fLj17C
The Politics of Geography in Cricket
The incident once again underscores how deeply geopolitical sensitivities run – even in the sporting arena. While cricket has often tried to position itself as a unifier across borders, it is also no stranger to controversy when national sentiments are perceived to be challenged.
Sana Mir, a respected voice in cricket and a pioneer for women’s sport in Pakistan, finds herself at the centre of an unintended storm – a reminder that even offhand comments in the commentary box are now under intense scrutiny.
This also opens up a larger conversation on how global sports bodies like the ICC handle such nuanced regional issues, especially when events are hosted in politically sensitive regions.
Bangladesh Stun Pakistan
Overshadowed by the controversy was a strong performance from Bangladesh, who dominated the game to seal a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan with 113 balls to spare.
Teenage leg-spinner Shorna Akter starred with the ball, taking 3/5 in just 3.3 overs as Pakistan were bundled out for 129. Only Rameen Shamim (23) and Fatima Sana (22) managed to cross 20. In reply, Rubya Haider anchored the chase with a fluent 54 off 77 balls, steering Bangladesh to a comfortable win in their campaign opener.
India vs Pakistan Looms on Sunday
The timing of the incident is all the more significant given that India is set to face Pakistan in a high-voltage Women’s World Cup encounter this Sunday – also in Colombo. With passions already high, this verbal controversy could cast a shadow over what promises to be an intense on-field battle.
Can Sport Stay Above Politics?
While the storm may eventually settle, the Sana Mir incident has opened a fresh chapter in the ever-evolving relationship between sport, identity, and national sentiment. As commentators walk the fine line between storytelling and political sensitivity, the cricketing world is once again reminded that microphones carry weight and consequences.
For now, Mir stands by her intent, urging fans and stakeholders alike to “not politicize” the moment.
“We are meant to focus on the sport, teams, and players – highlighting inspiring stories of grit and perseverance,” she concluded.
