ICC Women's World Cup 2025: Former Pakistan captain Sana Mir's ‘Azaad Kashmir’ comment sparks row

The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 witnessed a major controversy after former Pakistan captain and commentator Sana Mir referred to “Azad Kashmir” during live commentary in Pakistan’s opening match against Bangladesh in Colombo.

While introducing Pakistan batter Natalia Pervaiz, Mir initially mentioned that the cricketer was from Kashmir. She then corrected herself to say 'Azad Kashmir', adding that Pervaiz had to play much of her cricket in Lahore due to limited opportunities in her hometown. The routine introduction quickly turned into controversy, as the phrase 'Azad Kashmir' is widely seen in India as a political term for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

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A clip of Mir’s commentary went viral on social media within minutes, with Indian fans accusing her of politicising a global sporting platform. Many called for the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and ICC Chairman Jay Shah to take strict action, with some even demanding a ban on Mir.

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Sana Mir clarifies her statement 

Meanwhile, Sana Mir stated on social media late Thursday evening. The 39-year-old clarified that her intention was never political and that her words had been blown out of proportion. She explained that her commentary was based on research she had done from ESPNcricinfo, which at the time had listed Pervaiz’s background using the same terminology.

"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.  My comment about a Pakistan player's hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges she faced of coming from a certain region in Pakistan and her incredible journey. It is part of the story telling we do as commentators as where the players come from. I did that today for two other players coming from other regions, too. Please don’t politicise it. As a commentator on the World Feed, we are meant to focus on the sport, teams, and players, highlighting inspiring stories of grit and perseverance. There is no malice in my heart or any intention to hurt sentiments," she wrote on X.

Mir also shared a screenshot of her research source, which has since been updated. She added that it was sad that this requires an explanation at the public level, stating that her focus as a commentator is on inspiring stories of players rather than politics.