Sana Mir faces backlash over “Azad Kashmir” remark during Women’s World Cup amid rising India-Pakistan tensions
Sana Mir, the former captain of Pakistan, became involved in controversy when she referred to a player from the women's team's background as "Azad Kashmir" during the World Cup match.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) October 3: Sana Mir is a former player for the Pakistan women's cricket team. She has caused a controversy with her recent comments during the Women's ODI World Cup between Bangladesh and Pakistan. She stated that Natalia Pervaiz, a cricket player, was from "Azad Kashmir" rather than "Pakistan-occupied Kashmir."
Mir was referring to 29-year-old batter Natalia Pervaiz. She is from the town of Bandala in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Mir referred to the place as "Azad Kashmir," as it is known in Pakistan (AJK). However, Mir quickly met criticism from a number of people after the video was shared on social media.
Mir Issues Clarification on Social Media
She posted, "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 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” on social media platform X.
Off-field Controversy
The controversy also gained momentum in the off-field aftermath of the Asia Cup. It is after the winning Indian team refused to accept the trophy from ACC president and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The players from India and Pakistan also did not shake hands or even talk to the other nation's broadcasters and commentators after playing cricket against each other.
Reference to Kashmir Triggers Online Backlash
Mir's remarks coincided with increased border tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam incident. It claimed 26 lives on April 22, 2025. India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation and hit the terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
Indian fans took to social media to express their disapproval at Mir's remarks. Many users called on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take notice.
Sana Mir’s Legacy and Achievements in Cricket
Sana Mir retired from international cricket in 2019. She was the captain of the Pakistan women's team. The all-rounder scored 1,630 and 802 runs in 120 ODIs and 106 T20Is, respectively. Mir is regarded as a leader in Pakistan women's cricket. She also got 89 T20I wickets and 151 ODI wickets.
In ODIs, Mir became the first female Pakistani player to reach 100 wickets. In 2018, she became the first Pakistani woman to reach the top of the ICC women's rankings for ODI bowlers. She made her debut for Pakistan in 2009.
