Sana Mir Addresses ‘Azad Kashmir’ Comment Amidst Controversy

Former Pakistan women’s cricket captain and current commentator, Sana Mir, has come under scrutiny following a remark she made during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. While commenting on the match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, Mir referred to player Natalia Pervaiz as being from “Azad Kashmir,” a term that has sparked significant controversy due to its political implications.

The Incident

During the live broadcast, Mir initially mentioned that Pervaiz hails from “Kashmir” before quickly correcting herself to “Azad Kashmir.” This correction led to widespread backlash, particularly on social media platforms, where many accused her of politicizing the sport. The term “Azad Kashmir” is politically sensitive, especially in the context of India-Pakistan relations, and its use in international sporting events often stirs political and diplomatic reactions.

Mir’s Response

In the wake of the controversy, Mir took to social media to clarify her intentions. She expressed regret that her comment had been blown out of proportion and emphasized that she had no intention of making a political statement. Mir urged the public not to politicize her words, stating that as a commentator, her role was to focus on the sport and highlight the inspiring stories of players. She also shared a screenshot of her research notes to demonstrate that she had referred to Pervaiz’s background accurately.

Public Reaction

The incident has sparked a debate about the intersection of politics and sports. While some support Mir’s clarification, others believe that her comment was inappropriate for an international sporting event. The controversy has also drawn attention to the challenges faced by commentators in navigating sensitive topics during live broadcasts.

Conclusion

Sana Mir’s “Azad Kashmir” remark has ignited a significant discussion about the role of politics in sports commentary. While her clarification aims to quell the controversy, it underscores the complexities commentators face when addressing players’ backgrounds in politically sensitive regions. This incident serves as a reminder of the fine line between highlighting a player’s journey and inadvertently delving into contentious political territories.