Pakistani commentator Sana Mir’s ‘Azad Kashmir’ remark during Women’s World Cup draws massive backlash

In response to the heavy criticism, Mir posted a clarification on X, saying the comment only meant to highlight the challenges she faced

Amid the ongoing row involving the Asia Cup trophy, former Pakistan captain and commentator Sana Mir has come under fierce criticism over her remarks during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 that got underway earlier this week.

The controversy erupted during a match between Pakistan and Bangladesh on October 2 when Mir mentioned “Azad Kashmir” while speaking about 29-year-old Natalia Pervaiz, who had come out to bat.

“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 to come to Lahore to play most of her cricket there,” Mir was heard saying in a video widely circulated across social media platforms.

Mir’s remarks drew strong reactions from Indian fans, who tagged ICC and BCCI, targeting her over politicising the broadcast.

This is one thing you can't say on a global stage. Sana Mir has to go for this. There is nothing called Azaad Kashmir. https://t.co/jSVpP0GLpf

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) October 2, 2025

In response to the heavy criticism, Mir posted a clarification on X, saying the comment only meant to highlight the challenges the player faced.

What Sana Mir said?

In response to the backlash, Mir said that it was part of the “storytelling”.

“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,” she said.

Mir further stated that the comment was only meant to highlight the challenges the player faced “coming from a certain region in Pakistan and her incredible journey”.

“It is part of the storytelling we do as commentators as 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. There is no malice in my heart or any intention to hurt sentiments,” she said.

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

The term ‘Azad Kashmir’ denotes the portion of Jammu and Kashmir that rightfully belongs to India but has been occupied by Pakistan since 1947.

Mir’s statement comes against the backdrop of plummeting India-Pakistan cricket relations -- marked by the Indian side’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistani players during the Asia Cup as well as the denial to accept the trophy from ACC chief and the sitting interior minister of Pakistan Mohsin Naqvi.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh ICC Women’s World Cup

Meanwhile, Bangladesh beat Pakistan by seven wickets in their ICC Women’s World Cup.

Bangladesh chased down the target of 130 with 113 balls to spare with opener Rubya Haider top-scoring with an unbeaten 54 off 77 balls while Sobhana Mostary remained not out on 24.

Bangladesh reached 131 for 3 in 31.1 overs.

Earlier, Pakistan were all out for 129 in 38.3 overs after opting to bat first.