Who Is Sana Mir? Ex-Pakistan Skipper In The Spotlight For Controversial Remarks | Cricket News

Former Pakistan off-spinner and captain Sana Mir found herself embroiled in controversy after her comment on ‘Azad Kashmir’ sparked furore. While commentating during the Bangladesh vs Pakistan match, Sana said that medium-pacer Natalia Pervaiz’s hometown is ‘Azad Kashmir’.

The medium-pacer, who made her T20I debut against New Zealand in November 2017, is from Bandala in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Sana’s reference to the same as Azad Kashmir has drawn criticism.

Pervaiz was playing just her 12th ODI on Thursday and more than the result that favoured Bangladesh, the attention moved to Sana’s comments.

“A lot of these players are new, Natalia comes from Kashmir… Azad Kashmir, but has played most of her cricket in Lahore,” Sana said while commentating.

Who is Sana Mir?

Sana is one of the most illustrious players ever to represent Pakistan in women’s cricket. She made her ODI debut against Sri Lanka in December 2005 at Karachi. She made her T20I debut four years later, against Ireland in May 2009.

Throughout her career, Sana played 120 ODIs and 106 T20Is, amassing 1630 and 802 runs. She bagged 151 ODI wickets and 89 T20I wickets as well.

Sana created history by becoming the first Pakistan women’s cricketer to take 100 wickets in ODIs. She was the No. 1 ODI bowler in 2018. Under her captaincy, Pakistan bagged two Asian Games gold medals in 2010 and 2014.

Reactions to Sana Mir’s remarks

The Indian fans tagged the International Cricket Council and BCCI, demanding Sana’s removal from the commentary team for ‘politicising’ sports broadcasts.

Sana, however, claimed her comment was blown out of proportion, sharing a screenshot of the research source she had used and noting that it has since been updated.

Sana Mir’s Hall of Fame induction

Earlier this year, Sana achieved another milestone by becoming the first female player from Pakistan inducted into the ICC’s Hall of Fame.

The ongoing debate over her ‘Azad Kashmir’ comment highlights the complex political dynamics between India and Pakistan.