Former Pakistan skipper of the women’s team, Sana Mir, is caught in a controversy. During her commentary stint between Pakistan and Bangladesh game, Mir referred to current Pakistan player Natalia Pervaiz, hailing from Kashmir, and immediately corrected herself to “Azad Kashmir.” The comments made by her triggered reactions on social media. While ICC is yet to make a comment on the issue, the player herself took to social media to express her stance.
“It’s unfortunate how things are being blown out of proportion and people in sports are being subjected to unnecessary pressure. It is sad that this requires an explanation at a public level. My comment about a Pakistan player’s hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges she faced in coming from a certain region in Pakistan and her incredible journey,” she said.
“It is part of the storytelling we do as commentators, as to where the players come from. I did that today for two other players coming from other regions, too. Please don’t politicise it. As a commentator on the World Feed, we are meant to focus on the sport, teams, and players, highlighting inspiring stories of grit and perseverance. There is no malice in my heart or any intention to hurt sentiments,” Sana added.
“I am also attaching the screenshot of where I research most of my players from, whether from Pakistan or any other country. I realise that they have changed it by now, but this is what I was referring to,” she concluded. However, the current location of the player on ESPNCricinfo refers to Perviaz’s birth location as Bandala, Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
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“…captaining a very young side. Yes, they have won the qualifiers, but a lot of these players are new. Natalia who comes from Kashmir, Azad Kashmir, plays in Lahore a lot of cricket. She has to come to Lahore to play most of her cricket there,” Mir said on ICC feed.
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