Who is Sana Mir? ‘Azad Kashmir’ Controversy Explained Before IND vs PAK WC 2025
Sana Mir is a celebrated former Pakistan women’s cricket captain who retired in 2019. A trailblazer for women’s cricket in Pakistan, she played 120 ODIs and 106 T20Is, scoring 1,630 and 802 runs respectively. Mir also claimed 151 ODI wickets and 89 T20I wickets, making her the first Pakistani woman to take 100 ODI wickets.
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Sana Mir 's International accolades
Sana Mir made her international debut in 2009 and rose to the No. 1 spot in ICC women’s ODI bowling rankings in 2018. Under her captaincy, Pakistan won two Asian Games gold medals in 2010 and 2014. In 2025, Mir became the first Pakistani woman cricketer inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.
What sparked the controversy?
During the Pakistan vs Bangladesh match in Colombo, Sana Mir, part of the commentary panel, referred to Natalia Pervaiz’s hometown as “Azad Kashmir.” She said, “A lot of these players are new, Natalia comes from Kashmir… Azad Kashmir, but has played most of her cricket in Lahore.”
Political sensitivities
Natalia Pervaiz hails from Bandala, which falls under Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Mir’s comment came amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam attack in April 2025, which claimed 26 lives, and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor.
Social media reaction
Mir’s remark triggered backlash on social media, with Indian fans urging the ICC and BCCI to take notice. The controversy gained traction especially because it came just days before the high-profile India vs Pakistan Women’s World Cup match on 5 October at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium.
Tournament context
The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 is jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, though Pakistan is playing all its matches in Sri Lanka. The political sensitivity around Kashmir added fuel to the debate, making Mir’s comment widely discussed online.
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