Pakistan’s Sana Mir Clears Air on Azad Kashmir Remark During Pakistan vs Bangladesh Match

Former Pakistan captain Sana Mir created a stir during the Women’s World Cup match between Pakistan and Bangladesh on October 2 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, when she called Natalia Pervaiz a player from Azad Kashmir. Pervaiz, 29, is from Bandala in Bhimber District of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Mir, who recently became the first Pakistani woman in the ICC Hall of Fame, also said that while Pakistan won the World Cup Qualifiers earlier this year, many players like Pervaiz are still new to the big stage.

She pointed out that Pervaiz mostly plays her cricket in Lahore and said it’s tough for players from far-off areas to get chances and attention at the national level.

“Yes, they have won the qualifiers, but a lot of these players are new. 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,” Mir was on commentary.

India and Pakistan have seen many cricket controversies lately. Before their Women’s World Cup match on October 5 in Colombo, the BCCI told the Indian women’s team to stick to the no-handshake rule with Pakistan players.

ESPN Listing Sparked the Confusion

Sana Mir responded on X (formerly Twitter) with a clear note, saying her words were misunderstood and not meant to offend. She wrote, “It’s unfortunate how things are being blown out of proportion and people in sports are being subjected to unnecessary pressure.” She also added that it is sad she even had to explain herself publicly.

Mir clarified that she mentioned “Azad Kashmir” only because her research sources showed Natalia Pervaiz’s birthplace in those terms. She even shared a screenshot from ESPN, which first listed it as “Azad Jammu and Kashmir” and later changed it to “Pakistan-administered Kashmir.” Mir said she was simply using the information available, not making any political point.

She explained, “It is part of the storytelling we do as commentators to share where the players come from. I did that today for two other players from different regions as well. Please don’t politicise it. As a commentator on the World Feed, we are meant to focus on the sport, teams, and players, highlighting inspiring stories of grit and perseverance.”

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