A new controversy has emerged in the ICC Women’s World Cup after Pakistani commentator and former captain Sana Mir introduced Natalia Pervaiz as a player from Azad Jammu and Kashmir during live commentary.
The remark occurred during Pakistan’s match against Bangladesh in Colombo. Indian media outlets reacted strongly, calling for disciplinary action. Many anchors claimed that Mir had politicized cricket by mentioning Azad Kashmir.
Natalia Pervaiz hails from the Bandala Valley in Bhimber district, Azad Kashmir. She has represented Pakistan in several international matches and is recognized for her skill and dedication. Sana Mir later clarified that her comment aimed to highlight Pervaiz’s journey and the challenges she overcame to reach international cricket.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Mir said, “As commentators on the World Feed, we focus on sport, teams, and players. Mentioning home regions is part of the story. My comment highlighted the journey of a player. Please do not politicize everything.” She added that it was unfortunate to issue a public explanation for a routine remark.
Following the controversy, a cricket website that listed Natalia Pervaiz’s origins as Azad Kashmir removed the reference. Mir shared a screenshot of the original page on social media, confirming the accuracy of her statement. The edit sparked further debate about how athletes are often dragged into geopolitical issues.
This incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding sports and politics, showing how a simple mention of a player’s roots can generate international attention. Authorities and commentators continue to emphasize the importance of focusing on players’ achievements rather than political disputes.
Fans of Natalia Pervaiz have expressed support for the cricketer, praising her talent and dedication to Pakistan cricket. Analysts suggest this controversy underscores the challenges athletes face when sports intersect with politics.
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