Sana Mir’s ‘Azad Kashmir’ Remark Sparks Debate in Cricket World Cup

During the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, Sana Mir, a former Pakistan captain and current ICC commentator, found herself in the spotlight following her reference to “Azad Kashmir.” This comment, made while discussing Pakistani player Natalia Pervaiz, quickly ignited a social media backlash, especially from Indian fans. The term “Azad Kashmir” is a point of contention, referring to the region internationally known as Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The controversy led to calls for Mir to be removed from the commentary team. Mir responded to the criticism, defending her statement as an effort to provide context to a player’s background, without any intended malice. She clarified that the comment was meant to shed light on the challenges faced by the player. The event showcases the challenges in sports when intersecting with geopolitical sensitivities. The upcoming India versus Pakistan match adds to the intensity of the controversy. The match itself saw Bangladesh triumph over Pakistan, with a notable performance by their team. The controversy prompts questions about how sports organizations can manage sensitive regional issues, particularly when hosting matches in politically sensitive locations.