Sana Mir as presenter in India-Pak match (Source:@Abhisekh34/X.com)
India and Pakistan are against each other again, this time in the Women's ODI World Cup. The match is in Sri Lanka, and India are expected to dominate the game given the overall strength in their squad.
No action taken against Sana Mir after controversial remark
However, a controversy has erupted at the start of the game as Sana Mir, the former Pakistan cricketer, is the assigned commentator and presenter for the match despite her 'Azaad Kashmir' remark a few days back. During Pakistan's game against Bangladesh, Sana Mir introduced Natalia Pervaiz as a player from Azad Kashmir. She first called her a player from Kashmir, but then quickly used the political term from Pakistan, Azad Kashmir, which did not go well with India.
Azad Kashmir is a term used in Pakistan for the part of Kashmir that is under their control, while India calls it Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). India have often criticised the use of the word - 'Azad Kashmir' at various world forums and political discussions, and this latest act from Sana Mir can be considered as a threat to India's sovereignty.
Thus, it was expected that she would not be featuring as a commentator or presenter during the India-Pakistan match, but she is there, and the move is getting criticised all over social media.
India aim to assert dominance amidst political tensions with Pakistan
Sana Mir played for Pakistan from 2005 to 2019 and is now a renowned commentator and presenter from the country. It would be interesting to see if any action is taken against her after the backlash and the tensions are expected to rise as the match moves ahead between two arch rivals.
India have started off the tournament with a win against Sri Lanka, while Pakistan have lost their first match against Bangladesh. Thus, the pressure is on Pakistan, and India would be hoping to notch up a comprehensive win and assert their dominance.
.jpg?type=mq "IND vs PAK toss and weather")
