ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Former Pakistan Women’s captain Sana Mir has broken the silence after Indians criticised her for mentioning “Azad Kashmir” during commentary in the Women’s World Cup 2025 clash between Pakistan and Bangladesh at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
During the match, while referring to the Pakistan player Natalia Pervaiz, she said, “Natalia, who comes from Kashmir, Azad Kashmir, plays in Lahore […]. She has to come to Lahore to play most of her cricket there.”
Mir’s comments sparked a huge uproar in India, with social media users calling her out and accusing her of deliberately using the phrase to spark controversy.
In a clarification issued on X, former captain Mir said, It’s unfortunate how things were being “blown out of proportion” and people in sports are being subjected to unnecessary pressure.
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
“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.”
She clarified her words were never meant as a political remark but as part of the storytelling that commentators do by highlighting players’ backgrounds.
“Please don’t politicise it,” she wrote on X.
“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,” Mir added.
Along with her post, Mir also shared a screenshot from ESPNcricinfo, showing Natalia Pervaiz’s profile listing her birthplace as “Bandala, Azad Jammu and Kashmir.” Mir explained this was her source of information, though she noted the site has since been updated.
Currently, the page shows her hometown as “Pakistan-administered Kashmir”.
The clarification comes at a time when the men’s Asia Cup 2025 tournament saw several controversial moments between Pakistan and India, mostly inspired by the political happenings between both nations.
India’s men’s team refused handshakes with Pakistani players, while the trophy presentation was overshadowed by India’s refusal to accept medals from ACC and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi.
