ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 witnessed its first major off-field controversy after former Pakistan captain and current commentator Sana Mir referred to “Azad Kashmir” while speaking about batter Natalia Pervaiz during the Pakistan vs Bangladesh group match in Colombo. The comment triggered immediate backlash online, especially from Indian fans, who accused her of mixing politics with cricket. The timing of the incident added to its intensity, coming just days after the heated men’s Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan. While India hold an unbeaten record against Pakistan in World Cup history, the build-up has now been clouded by off-field controversies. On match day, though, the players will be expected to focus solely on the cricket, leaving the politics aside.