By Mohsin Ali
Former Pakistan women’s cricket captain Sana Mir has responded after India criticized her comment about one of Pakistan’s players being from Azad Kashmir. She said the backlash was being “blown out of proportion” and asked that the issue not be politicized.
The Women’s World Cup is officially hosted by India, but Pakistan is playing its matches in Colombo as part of a hybrid arrangement. Mir is part of the ICC commentary team for the tournament.
During Pakistan’s loss to Bangladesh on Thursday, Mir spoke about player Natalia Pervaiz: “A lot of these players are new. Natalia — who comes from Kashmir, Azad Kashmir — plays in Lahore. She has to come to Lahore to play most of her cricket there.”
The comment sparked immediate reactions on social media. The Times of India reported that many fans tagged the ICC and BCCI, demanding Mir’s removal for allegedly “politicising the broadcast.” The Hindustan Times noted that Mir initially said “Kashmir” before correcting herself to “Azad Kashmir,” which drew further attention.
In a statement on X, Mir — the first Pakistani female cricketer inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in June — 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 a public level.”
She clarified that her comment about the player’s hometown was meant to “highlight the challenges she faced coming from a certain region in Pakistan and her incredible journey.”
Mir added: “It is part of the storytelling we do as commentators about where players come from. I did the same for two other players from different regions as well. Please don’t politicise it.”
She stressed: “As a commentator on the World Feed, we focus on the sport, teams, and players, highlighting inspiring stories of grit and perseverance. There is no malice in my heart or intention to hurt sentiments.”
Along with her statement, Mir shared a screenshot from Pervaiz’s ESPNCricinfo profile showing her hometown as Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
She noted that it now reads “Pakistan-administered Kashmir.” Mir added: “I am also attaching the screenshot of where I research most of my players, whether from Pakistan or other countries. This is what I was referring to.”
The controversy comes just days after tensions between India and Pakistan spilled into cricket during the Men’s Asia Cup in the UAE (Sept 9–28).
During the tournament, Indian cricketers refused to shake hands with Pakistan players in all three matches. The situation escalated further when India declined to accept the trophy from ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also PCB chief.
The Asia Cup was the first series between the two sides since the military conflict in May, when India carried out air strikes in Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack in occupied Kashmir. Pakistan denied involvement, and tensions eased after mediation by the US.