The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, hosted in India, was meant to be a celebration of women’s cricket and sporting excellence. However, it quickly became embroiled in controversy after former Pakistan captain Sana Mir made a politically sensitive remark during commentary.

CWC 2025: Sana Mir draws widespread criticism for politicizing cricket with Azad Kashmir during PAK-W vs BAN-W game

While covering Pakistan’s match against Bangladesh, Mir referred to cricketer Natalia Parvaiz as ‘hailing from Azad Kashmir,’ a statement widely condemned in India. Critics argued that this violated the ICC’s strict rules against mixing politics with sport. The incident ignited a social media storm, with fans tagging both the ICC and BCCI demanding immediate action. Netizens argued that cricketing platforms should remain neutral and focused on the sport, not political narratives.

Player ‘from Azad Kashmir’ is this kind of commentary allowed?

And then they say keep politics away from sports. pic.twitter.com/1HSHjRWMZG

— Lala (@FabulasGuy) October 2, 2025

The controversy, unfortunately, overshadowed Pakistan’s on-field performance. Mir’s comment triggered outrage, with many calling it an attempt to legitimize Pakistan’s illegal occupation of Indian territory. The ICC explicitly prohibits commentators from introducing political discourse during live coverage, making the remark a clear violation of guidelines Cricket purists emphasized that international tournaments should prioritize fair play and sporting spirit above geopolitical tensions.

Here’s how fans reacted: 

What the hell is “Azaad Kashmir” @ICC @BCCI ?

You must take a stern action against this Pakistani commentator and send her back packing from India @JayShah @MithunManhas !! pic.twitter.com/CmeiqQmzGj

— Yo Yo Funny Singh (@moronhumor) October 2, 2025

This is one thing you can’t say on a global stage. Sana Mir has to go for this. There is nothing called Azaad Kashmir. https://t.co/jSVpP0GLpf

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) October 2, 2025

Former Pakistan captain Sana Mir has stirred a hornet’s nest by bringing up the ‘ Kashmir’ issue during live commentary today.

She referred to a Pakistan player as hailing from ‘Azad Kashmir.’

India is the host for this Women’s World Cup and the ICC is expected to act against…

— Rahul Rawat (@rawatrahul9) October 2, 2025

What the hell is ‘Azaad Kashmir’ @ICC @BCCI? Using this on a global stage is outrageous. @JayShah @MithunManhas, take immediate, strict action—Ban Sana Mir . There is NO ‘Azaad Kashmir.’ Such anti-India propaganda has no place in cricket!#PakvsBan #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/EQ8zzsfRC3

— 𝔸𝕁𝔸𝕐 𝕁𝔸ℕ𝔾𝕀𝔻 (@iamajayjangirr) October 2, 2025

It’s completely unacceptable. I hope @ICC takes an action and Sana Mir should be sacked ASAP. Or @BCCI @BCCIWomen files an official complaint. https://t.co/hf5N4f0UIE

— Amit (@_a_m_i_t_05) October 2, 2025

Kickout this Sana Mir from commentary. She is bringing politics into commentary. @JioHotstar @ICC https://t.co/7XL4LKBptg

— Ravi (@Raviii77777) October 2, 2025

What is going on first Naqvi, then Sana mir….fighting the battle on the cricket ground!! https://t.co/A6G2SXhp19

— Gems of Benares (@singh_kumaramit) October 2, 2025

Sana Mir sahiba is the
Commentator
Inkoo Ghar Jana hoga ab
Hope @BCCI
Watching this😇 https://t.co/eGDJSKzLrd

— खटाना भाई (@CricwormAnna) October 2, 2025

@ICC removes sana mir from commentary for her controversial statement on Kasmir.

India being targeted by ICC commentary is shameful.@JayShah #ICC #ICCT20 #womenworldcup

— Bhadkatashayar (@bhadkatashayar) October 2, 2025

https://twitter.com/ADITYAJOSHI4/status/1973746483154587792

Also READ: Player of the Match contenders: 8 superstars to watch at ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025

CWC 2025: Bangladesh’s dominant bowling crushes Pakistan

On the field, Pakistan struggled to cope with Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack, being dismissed for a mere 129 in 38.3 overs on a placid pitch. Teenage pacer Marufa Akter wreaked havoc, removing opener Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin for first-ball ducks, leaving Pakistan in immediate trouble at 2/2. Slow left-arm spinner Nahida Akter compounded the pressure by dismissing Muneeba Ali (17) and Rameen Shamim (23) shortly after the powerplay, ensuring Pakistan’s innings never gained traction.

Boundaries were scarce, totaling only 14, and the run rate rarely exceeded four per over. Despite reaching 100 in the 30th over, Pakistan continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Observers lauded Bangladesh’s tactical field placements and smart rotation of bowlers. Pakistan’s inability to adjust to the conditions highlighted technical gaps and mental frailties under pressure. Bangladesh maintained control throughout, leaving no doubt about their superiority in this contest as they eventually dismissed Pakistan for 129 runs.

Also READ: Women’s World Cup 2025: Favourites, Contenders and Dark Horses

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.