Sana Mir Clarifies ‘Azad Kashmir’ Comment During Women’s World Cup 2025

Former Pakistan cricketer Sana Mir issued a clarification after her description of Natalia Pervaiz as being from “Azad Kashmir” during Thursday’s Pakistan vs Bangladesh Women’s World Cup 2025 match sparked controversy.

Mir stated her comment was harmless and factual, based on player information from ESPNcricinfo, and not intended to be political. She said:

“My comment about a Pakistan player's hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges she faced coming from a certain region and her incredible journey… Please don’t politicise it.”

The remark drew criticism on social media, with Indian users pointing out that Pervaiz hails from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Mir added that she mentions players’ regions as part of commentary storytelling and emphasized her intent was to focus on sport and inspiring stories, not politics.

Tensions between India and Pakistan cricket teams remain high following the April Pahalgam terror attack and the Asia Cup 2025 incidents, with Indian players maintaining a formal, restrained approach in matches against Pakistan.