New Delhi: Former Pakistan captain and current commentator Sana Mir has found herself at the centre of a major controversy after making a politically charged reference to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as "Azad Kashmir" while on commentary duty for Pakistan's opening match against Bangladesh in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025.

During Pakistan’s innings, Mir initially referred to cricketer Natalia Pervaiz simply as being from "Kashmir" before quickly changing it to say "Azad Kashmir." Indian cricket fans on social media platforms such as X and Instagram erupted in anger, accusing Mir of politicising the broadcast and demanding her removal from the ICC commentary panel.

A video clip of Mir’s commentary has gone viral, sparking widespread criticism and demands for disciplinary action. Social media users noted Mir’s correction from "Kashmir" to "Azad Kashmir," interpreting it as a deliberate statement rather than a slip of the tongue.

This latest incident comes against a backdrop of ongoing tensions in India-Pakistan cricket. Relations soured further after controversial moments in the recent Men's Asia Cup, including trophy handling issues involving Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi and provocative gestures from Pakistan players towards their Indian counterparts.

Mir, who was recently inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, has since posted a clarification stating her remarks were misrepresented and calling for sports to be kept free from political pressures.

With inputs from IANS