A new controversy has surfaced in women’s cricket. Pakistani commentator and former captain Sana Mir is under fire after she mentioned the origin of batter Natalia Pervaiz during live commentary.
The incident took place during Pakistan’s Women’s World Cup match against Bangladesh in Colombo. Mir introduced Pervaiz as a player from Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Her words immediately sparked outrage in India.
Indian Media Reacts Strongly
The brief reference quickly became viral on social media. Indian media outlets picked up the clip and framed it as a political issue. Many anchors accused Sana Mir of “politicising” cricket and demanded that the International Cricket Council (ICC) take disciplinary action against her.
For several Indian anchors, the use of the term “Azad Kashmir” was treated as highly provocative. Their response turned a simple introduction into a larger political controversy.
Who is Natalia Pervaiz?
Natalia Pervaiz is a talented batter who represents Pakistan internationally. She hails from Bandala Valley in Bhimber district, located in Azad Kashmir. Over the years, she has showcased her skills for Pakistan in various tournaments held across different countries.
Her cricketing journey from a small valley to international arenas is seen as inspiring. Many fans believe she symbolizes determination and resilience.
Sana Mir Clarifies Her Remarks
Amid the uproar, Sana Mir issued a clarification through a post on X (formerly Twitter). She expressed disappointment over how her words were turned into a political debate.
Mir explained that commentators often highlight the home regions of players to tell their stories better. She said her intention was only to showcase Natalia Pervaiz’s journey and the challenges she overcame to play at the top level.
“My comment was to highlight the journey of a player. Please do not give everything a political colour,” Mir wrote. She also added that it was unfortunate to issue a clarification on a routine matter.
Online Changes and Propaganda Claims
Soon after the controversy, a cricket website quietly edited its player bio section. Earlier, the page had mentioned that Natalia Pervaiz belonged to Azad Kashmir. That detail was later removed following an uproar in the Indian media.
Sana Mir posted screenshots of the original listing on her social media. The sudden edit drew more criticism, with many fans accusing platforms of bowing to pressure. Critics argue that such changes show how athletes often become victims of political narratives.
Sports and Politics Collide Again
What began as a simple reference during commentary has now evolved into a controversy that extends beyond the game. Natalia Pervaiz, who continues to represent Pakistan proudly, finds her name at the center of an unwanted political storm.
The episode highlights how sensitive issues can turn into headline debates. A player’s background, meant to inspire, ended up sparking a media clash.
For Natalia Pervaiz, the hope remains that her cricketing talent will be remembered more than the politics surrounding her origin.
