Sana Mir faces criticism after referring to ‘AJK’ during commentary

KARACHI: A comment by Pakistani commentator Sana Mir during the ICC Women’s World Cup clash between Bangladesh and Pakistan has stirred controversy in India after she identified cricketer Natalia Pervaiz as hailing from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

While calling the match, Sana Mir stated, Natalia Pervaiz, who is part of the Pakistan team, hails from Azad Kashmir.”

The use of the term “Azad Kashmir” did not sit well with Indian audiences, triggering a wave of propaganda and hate campaigns against the former Pakistan captain on Indian social media platforms.

However, now a statement has been made by former cricketer and commentator Sana Mir on the propaganda against him.

In a statement released on social media, Sana Mir said that it is a matter of regret that the issue is being publicly explained, but as a commentator it is part of telling our story as to where the players come from, 2 and the players belonging to the region also mentioned, it is regrettable that matters are being exaggerated.

The former cricketer wrote that the matter should not be given political color, sports people are facing unnecessary pressure.

He added that the purpose of talking about the Pakistani player about the home area was to highlight their difficulties and wonderful journey and “I have no aim to hurt or hurt anyone’s feelings”.