The 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup has been overshadowed by an unexpected controversy. Former Pakistan captain and current cricket commentator, Sana Mir, came under intense scrutiny for an on-air remark in which she referred to ‘Azad Kashmir.’
The incident unfolded during Pakistan’s opening match against Bangladesh. While discussing the cricketing background of batter Natalia, Mir stated, ‘…captaining a very young side. Yes, they have won the qualifiers, but a lot of these players are new. Natalia who comes from Kashmir, Azad Kashmir, plays in Lahore a lot of cricket. She has to come to Lahore to play most of her cricket there.’
This comment quickly ignited a firestorm across social media. Indian fans, in particular, reacted strongly, tagging the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), demanding Mir’s immediate removal for allegedly politicizing the broadcast. The debate rapidly escalated, questioning whether Mir’s words violated the ICC’s strict stance on neutrality in commentary.
In response to the growing backlash, Sana Mir posted a three-paragraph clarification on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that her statement had been misinterpreted. She wrote, ‘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.’
Mir further clarified her intentions, sharing a screenshot from a popular cricket website that listed ‘Azad Kashmir’ as her own birthplace. She explained, ‘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 storytelling 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 politicize 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 added a note about her research sources, ‘I realise that they have changed it by now, but this is what I was referring to.’
Away from the off-field drama, Bangladesh secured a convincing seven-wicket victory over Pakistan. Chasing a target of 130 runs, Bangladesh comfortably reached 131 for 3 in just 31.1 overs. Opener Rubya Haider led the charge with an unbeaten 54 off 77 balls, ably supported by Sobhana Mostary’s 24 not out. Earlier, Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled, being bowled out for 129 in 38.3 overs, with Rameen Shamim (23) and Fatima Sana (22) providing brief resistance. Bangladesh’s bowlers, notably Shorna Akter (3 wickets) and Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter (two wickets each), delivered a dominant performance that overshadowed Pakistan’s batting woes.