Pakistani Commentator Sana Mir Refers to ‘Azad Kashmir’ During Women’s World Cup Clash

The Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 has erupted with a controversy after former Pakistan captain Sana Mir, who was part of the commentary panel, made an on-air remark referencing ‘Azad Kashmir.’
The comment has made Pakistan’s opener match against Bangladesh, has triggered a massive backlash on social media and has drawn attention from cricket fans and authorities.
During the match, she was heard saying “captaining a very young side. Yes, they have won the qualifiers, but a lot of these players are new. Natalia who comes from Kashmir, Azad Kashmir, plays in Lahore a lot of cricket. She has come to Lahore to play most of her cricket there.”
Cricket fans quickly reacted tagging the ICC and BCCI, demanding action and calling for her removal from the commentary panel for mixing politics with sport.
The ICC has strict rules on mixing politics with the sport and has reignited debates about commentators maintaining neutrality on international broadcasts.
However, Pakistan’s performance has overshadowed the controversy, where they struggled against Bangaldesh’s disciplined bowling attack.
Bangladesh restricted Pakistan for 129 runs and completed their chase in the 32nd over.
Later on thursday Sana Mir addressed the controversy via social media, saying here remarks were not offensive and taken out of context.
She emphasised her intent was not political. “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 the public level.”
Pakistan Women’s Cricket team(Image: PCB)
“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. It is part of the storytelling we do as commentators about where the players come from.”
“I did that today for two other players coming from other regions too. 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,” Sana Mir added.
“There is no malice in my heart or any intention to hurt sentiments. I am also attaching the screenshot 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,” concluded Sana Mir.
This comes in midst of tensed cricket relations between India and Pakistan. Following the Pahalgam attack in April, the Indian men’s team refused to shake hands with Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025.
The Men in Blues also refused to receive the trophy from PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The Indian woman team is expected to follow the men’s precedent in the upcoming Women’s World Cup group stage match against Pakistn on October 05 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.The post Pakistani Commentator Sana Mir Refers to ‘Azad Kashmir’ During Women’s World Cup Clash appeared first on Times of Sports.