**Sana Mir Retained in Commentary Panel Despite Azad Kashmir Comment**
*By Parth Dhall | October 05, 2025, 07:54 PM*
Sana Mir, the former Pakistan cricket captain, will continue as part of the commentary panel for the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup match between India and Pakistan. This decision comes amid a major controversy sparked by her on-air mention of “Azad Kashmir” during Pakistan’s opening game against Bangladesh last Thursday.
**The Incident**
While discussing batter Natalia Pervaiz’s background, Mir said, “Yes, they have won the qualifiers, but a lot of these players are new. Natalia, who comes from Kashmir, Azad Kashmir.” This specific reference triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with many users calling for her removal from the commentary team.
**Backlash and Mir’s Response**
Following the backlash, Mir took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her disappointment over how the issue was being blown out of proportion. She highlighted the unnecessary pressure faced by individuals in sports due to such controversies.
In a clarification, Mir explained that her comments were meant to highlight the challenges players face and that there was no malice intended. “It’s part of the storytelling we do as commentators about where players come from,” she stated. “I did that today for two other players coming from other regions too.”
**Reaffirming Commitment**
To support her explanation, Mir shared a screenshot of the source she uses for researching player backgrounds—whether Pakistani or from other countries. She acknowledged that the source has since been changed but maintained that this was the basis for her remarks.
Although Mir did not appear on Star Sports, the official broadcaster of India’s Women’s World Cup matches, a screenshot of her on-air commentary circulated widely on social media, fueling the controversy.
Despite the criticism, the decision to retain Sana Mir on the commentary panel indicates the organizers’ confidence in her professionalism and commitment to the sport.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/sana-mir-retained-in-commentary-panel/story
