Former Pakistan women's cricket team captain Sana Mir continued her role in the commentary panel at the ICC Women’s World Cup. Mir was observed breaking down the high-stakes India vs Pakistan game first with India's Mithali Raj, during a pre-game segment in Colombo, and then proceeded to join former India captain Anjum Chopra in the commentary panel as the game developed.
Mir retired from international cricket in 2020, faced backlash a few days prior for calling batter Natalia Pervaiz’s hometown "Azad Kashmir" during Pakistan’s match against Bangladesh. She stated: “Captaining a very young side… Natalia, who comes from Kashmir, Azad Kashmir, plays a lot of her cricket in Lahore. She has to come to Lahore to play most of her matches.” This comment ignited backlash on social media, and fans were calling for her removal from the panel.
Sana Mir gave clarification
In response, Mir took to social media to clarify her remarks. She wrote on X: “My comment about a Pakistan player’s hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges she faced coming from a particular region in Pakistan and her incredible journey. As commentators, we often share such stories to show where players come from.” She added, “I did the same for two other players from different regions. Please don’t politicise it. On the World Feed, our focus is on sport, teams, and players, highlighting stories of grit and perseverance. There was no malice or intention to hurt anyone.”
Despite all that, she remained on the commentary panel of the India vs Pakistan match. While she did not feature on Star Sports, India’s official Women's World Cup broadcaster. Screenshots of a Pakistani broadcast were circulated, where she was spotted with Mithali Raj, discussing the game after the toss.
Sana Mir continues commentary role at Women's World Cup amid 'Azad Kashmir' controversy
Former Pakistan women's cricket team captain Sana Mir continued her role in the commentary panel at the ICC Women’s World Cup. Mir was observed breaking down the high-stakes India vs Pakistan game first with India's Mithali Raj, during a pre-game segment in Colombo, and then proceeded to join former India captain Anjum Chopra in the commentary panel as the game developed.
Mir retired from international cricket in 2020, faced backlash a few days prior for calling batter Natalia Pervaiz’s hometown "Azad Kashmir" during Pakistan’s match against Bangladesh. She stated: “Captaining a very young side… Natalia, who comes from Kashmir, Azad Kashmir, plays a lot of her cricket in Lahore. She has to come to Lahore to play most of her matches.” This comment ignited backlash on social media, and fans were calling for her removal from the panel.
Sana Mir gave clarification
In response, Mir took to social media to clarify her remarks. She wrote on X: “My comment about a Pakistan player’s hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges she faced coming from a particular region in Pakistan and her incredible journey. As commentators, we often share such stories to show where players come from.” She added, “I did the same for two other players from different regions. Please don’t politicise it. On the World Feed, our focus is on sport, teams, and players, highlighting stories of grit and perseverance. There was no malice or intention to hurt anyone.”
Despite all that, she remained on the commentary panel of the India vs Pakistan match. While she did not feature on Star Sports, India’s official Women's World Cup broadcaster. Screenshots of a Pakistani broadcast were circulated, where she was spotted with Mithali Raj, discussing the game after the toss.