Sana Mir Faces Backlash After ‘Azad Kashmir’ Comment During Commentary

Former Pakistan captain and current ICC commentator Sana Mir found herself at the center of a social media storm following a comment made during live commentary at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 match between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Mir referred to “Azad Kashmir” while discussing the background of Pakistani player Natalia Pervaiz. This comment sparked a strong reaction, particularly from Indian fans and commentators. The phrase “Azad Kashmir” is a sensitive term in Indian discourse, referring to the region internationally known as Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The clip went viral, prompting calls for Mir’s removal from the commentary panel, with some labeling the remark as “anti-India propaganda.” Mir responded to the criticism, clarifying that her comment was made to highlight a player’s journey and that it was not intended to cause offense. She emphasized that there was no malice in her statement and that she was merely trying to tell a player’s story. The incident has highlighted the intersection of politics and sports, especially in the context of cricket. The upcoming India vs Pakistan match adds further significance to the controversy. Bangladesh secured a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the match, overshadowing the controversy to some extent. The incident raises questions about how global sports bodies address regional sensitivities and the impact of commentary on geopolitical issues.