The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 was jolted by controversy on October 2nd after Pakistan legend Sana Mir, now part of the global commentary panel, made an on-air reference to “Azad Kashmir” while describing Natalia Pervaiz. The remark, made during Pakistan’s opening clash against Bangladesh in Colombo, has triggered a wave of criticism and calls for action from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
While introducing Pervaiz to viewers, Mir drew attention to her background and cricketing journey. She began by highlighting Pakistan’s young squad, “Yes, they have won the qualifiers, but a lot of these players are new. Natalia, who comes from Kashmir, Azad Kashmir, played a lot of her cricket in Lahore.”
Finally, she added context about the challenges faced by the player, “She has to come to Lahore to play most of her cricket there.” It was this specific reference to “Azad Kashmir” that set off strong reactions online, with fans accusing Mir of bringing political undertones into a global cricket tournament.
Indian cricket fans, in particular, were quick to voice their anger on social media, tagging both the ICC and the BCCI. Many argued that commentators on international feeds are expected to maintain neutrality, especially when broadcasting to a worldwide audience. Some even called for Mir’s removal from the commentary panel.
The controversy gained added weight given the tournament’s backdrop: India is the host, but Pakistan will play all their matches in Colombo, including potential knockout fixtures. Tensions remain high after the India men’s team refused to shake hands with Pakistani players during the Asia Cup and declined the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 28 innocent Indians.
Mir, however, has stated her comments were purely about players’ journeys and carried no political intent. As criticism mounted, she turned to her social media platform “X” to clarify her comments. She explained that her intention had been to highlight the struggles and journeys of cricketers from different parts of Pakistan.
“My comment about a Pakistan player’s hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges she faced coming from a certain region in Pakistan and her incredible journey.”
She further defended the broader practice of providing background stories, “It is part of the story telling we do as commentators as where the players come from.”
And she ended with an appeal, “I did that today for two other players coming from other regions, too. Please don’t politicise it.”
The controversy has overshadowed Pakistan’s opening-day defeat to Bangladesh, where they were bowled out for 129 in 38.3 overs before losing by seven wickets. Yet, the spotlight remains firmly on Mir, whose distinguished playing career had earned her admiration across the cricketing world.
Sana Mir is widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s greatest female cricketers. She played 120 Women’s ODIs, scoring 1630 runs and taking 151 wickets, and featured in 106 T20Is with 802 runs and 89 wickets. As captain, she led Pakistan in 72 ODIs and 65 T20Is, inspiring a generation of players.
Now a respected broadcaster, Mir finds herself at the center of a storm, her legacy momentarily eclipsed by an off-field controversy. The ICC has yet to issue an official response, but the debate around neutrality in sports commentary — and the boundaries between storytelling and political interpretation — is once again in the spotlight.
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