Former Pakistan cricketer Sana Mir sparked a storm of online backlash during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup match between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Colombo. While commenting on player Natalia Pervaiz’s hometown, Mir referred to it as “Azad Kashmir.” That phrase quickly drew fire from fans, especially in India, where the region is known as Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The controversy erupted when Mir, part of the ICC’s commentary team, highlighted Pervaiz’s journey. She said, “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.” A video clip of the moment went viral on social media, leading to calls for Mir’s removal from the commentators’ panel. Fans tagged the ICC, BCCI, and even Indian officials, demanding swift action.
One X user, AT10, fumed, “Sana Mir is doing commentary for the ICC World Cup… Remove her @ICC from the panel.” Another, Ajay Jangid, called it “anti-India propaganda” and urged a ban. Sushi Rani echoed the sentiment, posting, “@cricketworldcup @BCCI @AmitShah please do the needful for Sana Mir. Fire her now.”
Mir fired back on her X account, calling the reaction “unfortunate” and an overblown issue that piles unnecessary pressure on sports figures. She explained her words aimed to spotlight Pervaiz’s inspiring story of grit from a challenging region in Pakistan, just like she did for other players. “There is no malice in my heart or any intention to hurt sentiments,” Mir wrote, attaching a screenshot from ESPNCricinfo—her go-to source for player profiles. She stressed that commentators on the world feed focus on sports and perseverance, not politics. “Please don’t politicise it,” she added.
The tournament follows a hybrid model, with Pakistan playing all matches in Colombo despite India hosting the event. On the field, Bangladesh dominated. Their bowlers, led by Shorna Akter’s 3-5 in just 3.3 overs, skittled Pakistan for 129 in 38.3 overs. Only Rameen Shamim (23) and captain Fatima Sana (22) reached 20 for the losing side. Bangladesh chased it down easily, with Rubya Haider’s unbeaten 54 off 77 balls (including eight fours) sealing a seven-wicket win with 113 balls to spare.
Cricket fans have another big showdown coming up: India faces Pakistan in Colombo on Sunday, promising high drama in the Women’s World Cup.
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