Sipu Jha
NEW DELHI: The Women’s World Cup 2025 was rocked by controversy on Thursday after former Pakistan captain Sana Mir, part of the commentary panel, sparked outrage with an on-air remark referencing “Azad Kashmir.” The comment, made during Pakistan’s opening match against Bangladesh, has triggered a massive backlash on social media and drawn attention from cricket fans and authorities alike.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!In a widely circulated clip, Mir 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.”
WATCH: Pakistani commentator using Azad Kashmir during the match Indian fans quickly reacted, tagging the ICC and BCCI, demanding action and calling for her removal from the commentary panel for mixing politics with sport. The ICC has strict rules against politicising cricket, and the incident has reignited debates about commentators maintaining neutrality on international broadcasts.The controversy overshadowed Pakistan’s performance on the field, where they struggled against Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack. Bangladesh restricted Pakistan to a below-par 129 all out in 38.3 overs on a docile track.Bangladesh pacer Marufa Akter, 20, delivered a stunning opening spell, dismissing opener Omaima Sohail and stalwart Sidra Amin for first-ball ducks, leaving Pakistan reeling at 2/2. Slow left-arm spinner Nahida Akter added to the pressure, removing Muneeba Ali (17) and Rameen Shamim (23) shortly after the powerplay, ensuring Pakistan’s innings never gained momentum.Pakistan’s run rate rarely crossed four runs per over, and the team crossed 100 only in the 30th over, managing just 14 boundaries in total. Their batters struggled to adapt to Bangladesh’s smart rotation of bowlers, and wickets fell at regular intervals.
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