Cricket fans were still catching their breath from the Asia Cup drama when another storm hit the sport, this time off the field. Former Pakistan captain Sana Mir has landed herself in hot water after a controversial remark during the Women’s World Cup clash between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Her choice of words during her commentary stint was enough to ignite a massive uproar across India, with fans accusing her of bringing politics into cricket.
What Exactly Happened?
While on commentary, Sana Mir praised Pakistan cricketer Natalia Pervaiz and said, “Natalia, who comes from Kashmir, Azad Kashmir, plays in Lahore, a lot of cricket.” The use of the term “Azad Kashmir” immediately sparked backlash on social media. Many Indian fans tagged ICC and BCCI, demanding to know how such politically sensitive commentary could be broadcast on an international stage.
Why It Triggered Outrage
For context, “Azad Kashmir” is Pakistan’s reference to what India officially calls Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The region has recently witnessed violent clashes, with reports of at least 12 deaths in protests against Pakistani forces. Human rights concerns have been mounting, making Mir’s remark particularly controversial at this sensitive time.
Fans argued that glorifying or normalizing the term “Azad Kashmir” amounts to taking a political stand, especially when tensions in the region remain high.
Sana Mir’s Clarification
Facing growing criticism, Sana Mir issued a clarification on X (formerly Twitter), stating her comments were being blown out of proportion. She even shared a screenshot from ESPNCricinfo, where Natalia Pervaiz’s birthplace was listed as Azad Jammu and Kashmir. However, users quickly noticed that the website has since updated it to say Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Mir insisted she never intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments and urged fans not to politicize her statement.
What’s Next?
Despite her clarification, calls for action continue. Some fans are demanding her removal from the commentary panel, arguing that cricket should remain free from political narratives. The ball, however, is now in ICC’s court - whether they will take any disciplinary action or let the matter slide remains to be seen.
Final Word
This controversy highlights how every word spoken on an international platform is scrutinized. In cricket, where India and Pakistan already share a tense rivalry, even a single phrase can spark a storm. For now, fans wait to see if this incident becomes another flashpoint in Indo-Pak cricket relations, or just another controversy that fades away.
Also Watch: India vs Pakistan: Will handshake snub continue at Women's World Cup?
