Former Pakistan women’s cricket captain and commentator Sana Mir has strongly responded to cross-border propaganda aimed at her. She called the controversy “unfortunate and unnecessary,” stressing that sports should remain above politics.
Indian Media Criticism Over Commentary Remark
The issue began during the ongoing Women’s ODI World Cup. While commentating, Sana Mir mentioned cricketer Natalia Pervaiz’s hometown of Azad Kashmir. Indian media outlets attempted to politicize the remark, triggering a social media campaign.
Some critics even urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to remove Mir from her commentary duties. The online campaign quickly intensified, targeting her reputation.
CricInfo Profile Update Fuels Debate
Adding to the controversy, Natalia Pervaiz’s CricInfo profile was updated soon after. Previously listed as Bandala, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, it now reads Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This change further fueled heated debate across social platforms.
Sana Mir Clarifies Commentary Role
Responding to the backlash, Sana Mir clarified that her intention was purely to highlight a player’s inspiring journey. She explained that commentary often involves sharing stories about athletes’ backgrounds and struggles.
“I also mentioned players from two other regions,” Mir said, “but this matter has been unnecessarily politicized.” The ICC Hall of Fame inductee emphasized that her comments were made in good faith without political motives.
Calls to Keep Cricket Free of Politics
The 39-year-old, who captained Pakistan to historic victories, has established herself as a respected broadcaster since retiring. In her statement, she urged fans to keep cricket free from divisive narratives.
“Sportspeople are already under immense pressure,” she noted. “Cricket should remain a source of unity, not controversy.”
Conclusion
Sana Mir’s strong rebuttal highlights her commitment to promoting cricket as a unifying force. Despite propaganda from across the border, she continues to stand firm in defending her integrity and the spirit of the game.
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