Indian Media Targets Sana Mir Over Kashmir Reference During Commentary
Karachi: During the ongoing Women’s World Cup, Indian media has launched a smear campaign against former Pakistan captain and commentator Sana Mir after she mentioned that Pakistani cricketer Natalia Pervaiz hails from Azad Kashmir.
Yes, Natalia Pervaiz is from Azad Kashmir in Pakistan 🇵🇰♥️♥️
Kashmir is Pakistan’s territory. Indians can keep on burning 🇮🇳‼️
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) October 2, 2025
Sana Mir clarified that it is routine for commentators to share a player’s place of origin, and expressed disappointment that such a normal remark required public explanation. *“It is unfortunate that this matter has been politicized. Giving players’ background is standard practice, but turning it into a political controversy is regrettable,”* she said.
She further stated that dragging politics into sports is harmful, adding that athletes and commentators should not be subjected to unnecessary pressure.
It's unfortunate how things are being blown out of proportion and people in sports are being subjected to unnecessary pressure. It is sad that this requires an explanation at public level.
My comment about a Pakistan player's hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges… pic.twitter.com/G722fLj17C
— Sana Mir ثناء میر (@mir_sana05) October 2, 2025
Observers noted that Indian media’s reaction reflects a broader trend of politicizing cricket. Earlier, during the Asia Cup, Indian players were criticized for refusing to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts and for declining to receive the winner’s trophy from PCB Chairman and ACC President Mohsin Naqvi.
