"Please don't..."- Sana Mir clarifies her 'Azaad Kashmir' controversial remark during Women's Women Cup 2025

The former Pakistan women’s captain, Sana Mir, has broken the silence on her controversial comment during the commentary stint of the Women’s World Cup 2025 between Pakistan and Bangladesh at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. On air, she called Natalia Pervaiz, hailing from ‘Azaad Kashmir.’ Everyone was baffled by such a comment.

The clip went viral on social media as many called for the removal of Mir from the commentary panel. She has now come into her account and revealed her side of the story. The 39-year-old also shared the profile of Natalia from the ESPNcricinfo website, where it was written that the player comes from Azad Jammu and Kashmir. However, the website has now changed it to Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

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“It's unfortunate how things are being blown out of proportion and people in sports are being subjected to unnecessary pressure. Sadly, this requires an explanation at the public level. My comment about a Pakistan player's hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges she faced in coming from a certain region in Pakistan and her incredible journey. Sana Mir wrote on his social media account.

Sana Mir breaks silence on controversial ‘Azaad Kashmir’ comment during Women’s World Cup 2025

Pakistan lost their opening game of the campaign before taking on India in Colombo for the next game. It has been revealed that the captains and players won’t shake hands during the contest to continue their stance from the Asia Cup 2025.

“It is part of the storytelling we do as commentators, as to where the players come from. I did that today for two other players coming from other regions, too. Please don’t politicize 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.” Mir penned down on her social media account.

“There is no malice in my heart or any intention to hurt sentiments. I am also attaching the screenshot of where I research most of my players from, whether from Pakistan or any other country. I realised that they have changed it by now, but this is what I was referring to.” Sana Mir concluded.