Pakistan’s Sana Mir Clarifies Her Stance Over ‘Azad Kashmir’ Remark Amid Public Backlash

Ex-Pakistan captain Sana Mir claimed her remarks focused only on the struggles Natalia Pervaiz faced as a player originating from a remote region.

Pakistan’s Sana Mir Clarifies Her Stance Over ‘Azad Kashmir’ Remark Amid Public Backlash

Ex-Pakistan Women captain Sana Mir clarified after her 'Azad Kashmir' remark about an all-rounder drew criticism. (via India Today)

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Ex-Pakistani cricketer Sana Mir issued a clarification about her usage of the ‘Azad Kashmir’ remark while commentating during a 2025 Women’s World Cup match. Mir had referred to Pakistani player Natalia Pervaiz, suggesting she belongs to Azad Kashmir, a disputed territory between India and Pakistan.

Sana Mir remains one of the most influential female cricketers in Pakistan, having served as the captain of both the ODI and T20I sides. She was the first Pakistani women’s cricketer to take over 100 wickets. Also the first bowler from the country to occupy the no.1 spot on the ICC Women’s ODI Bowling Rankings, Sana Mir led the Pakistani team during its two Asian Games’ gold medal campaigns, in 2010 and 2014. 

Also the first Pakistani female cricketer to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, Sana Mir, following her retirement, has since then taken to commentating and is part of the panel for the ongoing 2025 Women’s World Cup. The 39-year-old drew harsh criticism and public ire after her controversial comments during the Pakistan-Bangladesh encounter on October 2, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

With Pakistan struggling at 94/6 after 28.2 overs, Mir referred to 29-year-old all-rounder Natalia Pervaiz, who was on the crease at the time. She raised furor by stating that Pervaiz’s home-town Bandala is in ‘Azad Kashmir’, a territory that has been illegally occupied by Pakistan.

Pakistan’s shocking seven-wicket defeat to Bangladesh failed to gain traction, but Mir’s comment circulated widely on social media, with Indian users correcting her by stating that Natalia Pervaiz belongs to ‘Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’.

Indian cricket fans demanded for Mir to be removed from the commentary team for invoking ‘political’ statements, a result of which the former world no. 1 bowler had to clarify her remarks on social media. The 39-year-old suggested that her comment was blown out of proportion, refusing to apologize for it.

Sana Mir also shared a screenshot of the all-rounder’s profile on ESPNCricinfo, which noted Pervaiz’s birthplace as ‘Azad Kashmir’, strongly suggesting this was her reference point. She wrote on X:

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…My comment about a Pakistan player’s hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges…

Mir’s remarks drew much more public ire, as it came at a time when the relations between India and Pakistan are not cordial. The two countries have suspended bilateral ties since the Pahalgam attack, with all of Pakistan’s matches at the 2025 Women’s World Cup being played in Sri Lanka. 

Pakistan Women’s 2025 World Cup Hopes Dented by Humiliating Opening Loss to Bangladesh

Pakistan Women suffered a humiliating defeat to Bangladesh in their 2025 Women’s World Cup opener at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The World No. 7-ranked W-ODI team defeated Pakistan Women for the eighth time, leveling the head-to-head battle.

Pakistan Women vs. Bangladesh Women
Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat to Bangldesh in their 2025 Women’s World Cup opener. (via ESPN Cricinfo)

Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana, after winning the toss, opted to bat first, a decision that backfired as they were bowled out for a paltry first innings total of just 129 runs. Pakistan’s batting effort lasted 38.3 overs, with Rameen Shamim and Sana being the only two players who crossed the 20-run mark. Bangladeshi spinner Nahida Akter, who scalped a two wicket haul in her eight-over spell, while giving away 19 runs. 

Bangladesh never let Pakistan in the game and seemed to enjoy the conditions on offer. Shorna Akter took a crucial three-wicket haul, while Marufa Akter scalped two wickets. Their chase was a seemingly easy one, with Rubya Haider scoring an unbeaten 54 off 77 balls. She was assisted in her effort by captain Nigar Sultana and Sobhana Mostary, in order to take Bangladesh over the line within 31.1 overs. 

For Pakistan, their next and most crucial challenge will be against arch-rivals India, on October 5 in Colombo. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be traveling to India for the remainder of their matches, and their next fixture will be against in-form England in Guwahati.

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