In what may yet be the biggest controversy to impact the ICC Women’s World Cup, a commentator used the words “Azad Kashmir” on air while trying to describe the background of a Pakistan batter.
While it can’t be ascertained if it was deliberate or inadvertent, the truth is that it was completely out of bounds and an act of utter irresponsibility. Anyone with the microphone should know better, and realise and own what they are saying. To disrespect millions of people is not acceptable, and the ICC must act. The issue has already blown up on social media, with Indians reacting strongly to it and condemning the act.
She went to say that the batter was trained in Azad Kashmir. Why she would say so is the question. Did she not know the political connotations of what she was saying? Did she not know that relations have already reached a flashpoint? Did she not realise that it could cause things to boil over with India playing Pakistan next on October 5?
The truth is people in positions of responsibility must act with far more care and concern. To just throw words around isn’t commentary. If you can’t do something or aren’t good enough to understand and appreciate people’s sensitivities, you shouldn’t be given the microphone. Against the backdrop of what happened in the Asia Cup, it should also be asked if this was a deliberate act prompted by the powers that be in Pakistan.
Either way, this has hit the roof and action needs to be taken. It is a developing story and we will keep a close eye on it.
