New Delhi: A new controversy has been added to the already tense atmosphere between India and Pakistan during the Asia Cup 2025. After winning the final, India refused to accept the trophy from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, further escalating tensions between the two countries. This controversy further escalated when former Pakistan women’s captain Sana Mir made a controversial statement about Kashmir during her commentary.
‘Azad Kashmir’ statement stirred controversy
Pakistan and Bangladesh faced each other in the third match of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. The match was played on October 2, and Sana Mir was commentating. She said about player Natalia that she comes from ‘Azad Kashmir’ and has to travel to Lahore to play cricket. The video of her statement quickly went viral on social media and sparked a new controversy.
What the hell is “Azaad Kashmir” @ICC @BCCI ?
You must take a stern action against this Pakistani commentator and send her back packing from India @JayShah @MithunManhas !! pic.twitter.com/CmeiqQmzGj
— Yo Yo Funny Singh (@moronhumor) October 2, 2025
Potential ICC Action
According to ICC rules, no player, support staff, or official may make political statements during a match. Therefore, Sana Mir’s statement could be considered a violation of the rules. According to media reports, the ICC could take strict action against her, which could include removing her from the commentary panel.
Sana Mir’s clarification
Sana Mir clarified her controversial statement, stating that her comment was only meant to highlight the player’s struggles. She said, “It’s sad that things are being blown out of proportion. My statement was simply meant to highlight the challenges the player faced coming from her region and how inspiring her hard work is. I have no ill will or intention to hurt anyone.” She also explained that she had shared similar stories about other players, and that her commentary was solely intended to highlight the game, the team, and the players’ achievements.
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
Pakistan Team’s Embarrassing Defeat
Amidst this controversy, the Pakistan women’s team also performed poorly. They scored only 129 runs in 38.3 overs, allowing Bangladesh to secure an easy victory. Chasing the target, Bangladesh won by losing just three wickets. Rubya Haider played a brilliant innings of 54 runs and played a key role in her team’s seven-wicket victory.
Story Highlights
Amid the Asia Cup 2025 trophy controversy, Sana Mir’s controversial statement on Kashmir.
The use of the term ‘Azad Kashmir’ sparked a storm on social media.
Sana Mir could face strict action under ICC rules.
Bangladesh defeated the Pakistan women’s team by seven wickets.