Former Pakistan captain Sana Mir on Thursday (October 2) stirred a massive controversy during the Women’s World Cup 2025 by referencing “Azad Kashmir” on-air, leading to calls for her ouster from the commentary team for politicising sport.
This controversy erupted in the third match of the marquee event between Pakistan and Bangladesh at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
In a video doing rounds on social media, Sana was heard saying: “... captaining a very young side. 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.”
Indian fans quicky took note of her controversial remarks and tagged the ICC and BCCI, demanding her removal from the commentary panel for mixing politics with sport.
The controversy overshadowed Pakistan’s dismal performance against Bangladesh. Opting to bat first, Pakistan’s innings folded for a paltry 129 runs in 38.3 overs. It was a listless batting display as no one managed to touch the 30-run mark. Rameen Shamim was the top scorer with 23 runs to her name.
Bangladesh bowlers dominated, with Shorna Akter taking 3 wickets for 5 runs and Nahida Akter returning with the figures of 2 for 19.
