Former Pakistan star Sana Mir's "Azad Kashmir" remark had landed her in a deep web of controversy, and many demanded her snub from the commentary panel; however, she remains on the panel for the India vs Pakistan Women's World Cup match.
The India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup led to several on-field controversies that had off-field repercussions. However, several players have drawn unnecessary controversy with their derogatory remarks, which have often been caught up in the political flame.
Just after the end of the Asia Cup and the trophy controversy between Mohsin Naqvi and the Indian management, the Indians are currently hosting the Women's World Cup 2025, with Pakistan being one of the participating teams playing in Colombo.
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Sana Mir's controversial 'Azad Kashmir' reference drew immense criticism
The former Pakistan Women's skipper drew immense criticism after her statement referring to 'Azad Kashmir' was considered as propaganda by the Indians. The incident happened during Pakistan's previous game against Bangladesh at this same venue.
Sana Mir had mentioned that Natalia Pervaiz, the batter, had had a tough journey, as she was born in a town located in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. She has to come to Lahore to play most of her cricket there.
Later, addressing the controversy on her X handle, she stated that it is unfortunate that people in sports are subjected to unnecessary pressure. She clarified that her words were only part of the storytelling for the cricketer's background and there was no intent to politicise matters.
Despite having explained her stand and the reasons behind her remark, Sana Mir has drawn nothing other than immense criticism and public scrutiny. However, this has not affected her stint in the World Cup commentary panel.
Sana Mir has been retained by ICC in the panel for the commentary on the India vs Pakistan match at the ICC Women's World Cup 2025. When she did not appear on Star Sports, the official broadcaster channel, one of her screenshots went viral on the internet, indicating that she was part of the broadcast team.
The image that went viral marked Sana Mir alongside former India captain Mithali Raj discussing the match right after the toss.
The Indian women have mostly dominated the Pakistan Women's team. Based on the statistics between the two teams, Aakash Chopra went on to echo Suryakumar Yadav's claim of not calling it a rivalry anymore.
With the Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana electing to field first, Indian openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana arrived at the crease. The two have been leading India with dominant performances with the bat. Smriti has been in the prime form of her life.
Mandhana, though, did not make a very good start to her World Cup campaign with just 8 runs in the first game against Sri Lanka, but looked in touch today at Colombo. However, at the brink of another half-century opening stand for India, the veteran batter was dismissed off the Pakistan skipper's bowling.
Fatima Sana dismissed Smriti Mandhana for 23 runs off just 32 balls, as she was trapped right in front of the wickets.
ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma superior to MS Dhoni? Virender Sehwag makes big claim after BCCI sacks India ODI captain
Sana Mir escapes ICC action after ‘Azad Kashmir’ row, stays in commentary panel for India-Pakistan clash
Published - 05 Oct 2025, 04:40 PM | Updated - 05 Oct 2025, 04:43 PM
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Former Pakistan star Sana Mir's "Azad Kashmir" remark had landed her in a deep web of controversy, and many demanded her snub from the commentary panel; however, she remains on the panel for the India vs Pakistan Women's World Cup match.
The India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup led to several on-field controversies that had off-field repercussions. However, several players have drawn unnecessary controversy with their derogatory remarks, which have often been caught up in the political flame.
Just after the end of the Asia Cup and the trophy controversy between Mohsin Naqvi and the Indian management, the Indians are currently hosting the Women's World Cup 2025, with Pakistan being one of the participating teams playing in Colombo.
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Sana Mir's controversial 'Azad Kashmir' reference drew immense criticism
The former Pakistan Women's skipper drew immense criticism after her statement referring to 'Azad Kashmir' was considered as propaganda by the Indians. The incident happened during Pakistan's previous game against Bangladesh at this same venue.
Sana Mir had mentioned that Natalia Pervaiz, the batter, had had a tough journey, as she was born in a town located in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. She has to come to Lahore to play most of her cricket there.
Later, addressing the controversy on her X handle, she stated that it is unfortunate that people in sports are subjected to unnecessary pressure. She clarified that her words were only part of the storytelling for the cricketer's background and there was no intent to politicise matters.
Public Scrutiny could not keep Sama Mir away from the commentary panel
Despite having explained her stand and the reasons behind her remark, Sana Mir has drawn nothing other than immense criticism and public scrutiny. However, this has not affected her stint in the World Cup commentary panel.
Sana Mir has been retained by ICC in the panel for the commentary on the India vs Pakistan match at the ICC Women's World Cup 2025. When she did not appear on Star Sports, the official broadcaster channel, one of her screenshots went viral on the internet, indicating that she was part of the broadcast team.
The image that went viral marked Sana Mir alongside former India captain Mithali Raj discussing the match right after the toss.
Pakistan captain dismissed the in-form Indian batter, Smriti Mandhana
The Indian women have mostly dominated the Pakistan Women's team. Based on the statistics between the two teams, Aakash Chopra went on to echo Suryakumar Yadav's claim of not calling it a rivalry anymore.
With the Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana electing to field first, Indian openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana arrived at the crease. The two have been leading India with dominant performances with the bat. Smriti has been in the prime form of her life.
Mandhana, though, did not make a very good start to her World Cup campaign with just 8 runs in the first game against Sri Lanka, but looked in touch today at Colombo. However, at the brink of another half-century opening stand for India, the veteran batter was dismissed off the Pakistan skipper's bowling.
Fatima Sana dismissed Smriti Mandhana for 23 runs off just 32 balls, as she was trapped right in front of the wickets.
ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma superior to MS Dhoni? Virender Sehwag makes big claim after BCCI sacks India ODI captain
Tagged:
Pakistan Women's National Cricket Team India Women's National Cricket Team India Women vs Pakistan Women Sana Mir Smriti Mandhana Fatima Sana ICC Women's World Cup 2025About the Author