Days after the end of a controversy-laden Asia Cup, former Pakistan Women's captain Sana Mir's controversial comment has landed herself in hot water.
She made the remark during her commentary stint on Thursday during Pakistan Women's 7-wicket loss to Bangladesh at the Women's World Cup.
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During the match, Mir introduced the new batter Natalia Parvez, who came in to bat when the Women in Green were struggling at 94/6 in 28.2 overs. Mir referred to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as "Azad Kashmir" [Independent Kashmir]. "Natalia, who comes from Kashmir — Azad Kashmir," she corrected.
Her comment on air was not taken well by the Indian fans and media on social media, and people asked for stern action against the commentator before she offered her explanation for her words.
MORE: Who is Sana Mir?
Sana Mir justifies 'Azad Kashmir' comment
Following the strong reaction from cricket fans in India, Mir took to her Twitter (X) on the same night and addressed the issue with a long explanation to justify her comment.
In her justification, Mir asked people not to politicize the issue and said her intention was only to highlight Parvez's back story. She attached a screenshot of a cricket website, where Parvez's birthplace was listed the same as she had mentioned in the commentary.
"It is part of the storytelling we do as commentators, as to where the players come from. I did that today for two other players coming from other regions, too. Please don’t politicise it," she tweeted.
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 public level.
— Sana Mir ثناء میر (@mir_sana05) October 2, 2025
My comment about a Pakistan player's hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges… pic.twitter.com/G722fLj17C
While she said that the comment meant no malice, she also pointed out that her source, which she had researched, had later changed the information to a more neutral Pakistan-administered Kashmir, a disputed region between India and Pakistan.
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The 39-year-old, who has played 120 ODIs and 106 T20Is for Pakistan women from 2005 to 2009, scalping 240 international wickets, is among the prominent voices from Pakistan cricket and is often seen in the broadcast teams of the Women's ICC event.
When is the India vs. Pakistan match at Women's World Cup 2025?
India vs. Pakistan encounter is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 5, starting at 3 p.m. IST. Pakistan will be hoping to upset tournament favorites in Colombo.