Web Desk; Former Pakistan women’s cricket team captain Sana Mir has responded to criticism from neighbouring India after she referred to a Pakistani player as being from Azad Kashmir during commentary, saying the matter was being “blown out of proportion” and urging people not to politicise sports.
The Women’s World Cup, hosted by India, is being played under a hybrid model, with Pakistan’s matches taking place in Colombo. Mir is part of the ICC’s official commentary panel for the tournament.
The controversy began during Pakistan’s match against Bangladesh on Thursday, which Pakistan lost. While commentating, Mir highlighted the background of player Natalia Pervaiz, saying:
“A lot of these players are new. Natalia — who comes from Kashmir, Azad Kashmir — plays in Lahore. She has to come to Lahore to play most of her cricket there.”
According to the Times of India, the remark immediately sparked reactions on social media, with many Indian users tagging the ICC and BCCI, accusing Mir of politicising the broadcast and demanding her removal. The Hindustan Times reported that Mir’s initial use of the word “Kashmir” before correcting herself to “Azad Kashmir” drew particular attention.
In response, Mir — who became the first Pakistani woman cricketer inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in June — issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter). She expressed disappointment at how her comment was misinterpreted:
“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 clarified that her remarks were intended to highlight the player’s journey from a specific region of Pakistan and the challenges she overcame — something commentators routinely do to give context.
“It is part of the storytelling we do as commentators — highlighting where players come from. I did the same today for two other players from different regions. Please don’t politicise it,” she added.
Mir also posted a screenshot of Natalia Pervaiz’s ESPNCricinfo profile, which listed her hometown as Azad Jammu and Kashmir. She explained that this was the reference she used during commentary, although the profile has since been updated to say “Pakistan-administered Kashmir.”
The row comes amid heightened India–Pakistan tensions that have increasingly spilled over into cricket. During the Men’s Asia Cup (Sept 9–28) held in the UAE, Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts after all three encounters. The tournament ended with India declining to receive the trophy from ACC Chairman and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi.
The Asia Cup was the first cricketing interaction between the two nations since the military standoff in May, when India conducted air strikes in Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack in occupied Kashmir. Pakistan denied involvement, and the crisis was defused through US mediation.
