Controversy Erupts Over Sana Mir’s ‘Azad Kashmir’ Comment During Cricket Broadcast

The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 match between Pakistan and Bangladesh saw former Pakistan captain and ICC commentator Sana Mir embroiled in controversy after she mentioned “Azad Kashmir” during live commentary. The incident occurred while Mir was discussing the background of Pakistani player Natalia Pervaiz. The comment drew immediate criticism, particularly from Indian viewers and commentators, due to the term’s sensitive nature in the context of the India-Pakistan relationship. The phrase refers to the region known internationally as Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Social media users called for Mir’s removal from the commentary panel, with accusations of anti-India sentiment. Mir issued a response, explaining her remark was intended to provide context to a player’s background, emphasizing her lack of malicious intent. She stated that she was using the term to illustrate the challenges faced by the player from a specific region. The incident highlights how geopolitical sensitivities can influence the perception of events in sports. The upcoming India vs Pakistan match further amplifies the situation’s importance. In the overshadowed game, Bangladesh achieved a significant seven-wicket victory over Pakistan, with standout performances. The incident triggers a wider discussion on how international sporting bodies navigate politically sensitive issues, especially when hosting events in regions with complex political dynamics.