Trisha Ghosal in Colombo
It’s scorching hot in Colombo when the sun blazes, though evenings offer some relief. But the forecast suggests the temperature is only going to rise and not just on the thermometer. With India taking on Pakistan, drama was always expected off the field, but few imagined the storm that unfolded yesterday.
During the Bangladesh–Pakistan game, a reputed former cricketer-turned-commentator sparked outrage by referring to “Azaad Kashmir” on air while narrating Pakistan batter Natalia Parvaiz’s background story. Politics and sport rarely sit comfortably together, and this remark crossed into sensitive territory.
Follow Revsportz for latest sports news
The commentator later issued an apology on X, writing:
“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 public level.
“My comment about a Pakistan player’s hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges she faced of coming from a certain region in Pakistan and her incredible journey. It is part of the story telling we do as commentators as 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.
“I am also attaching the screen shot 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.”
While the apology attempted to clarify intent, the damage had been done. The portal that allegedly carried the reference has since altered its content, but that explanation has not softened reactions. For many, the issue was not about sourcing but about the very choice of words on air.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s performance on the field hardly helped matters. Having won the toss and chosen to bat, they were skittled for 129. Bangladesh chased down the modest target with ease, sealing victory by seven wickets. For a side already under pressure heading into their high-voltage clash against India, this defeat has only deepened the gloom.
The ICC is now expected to remove the commentator from its panel, a move that could send a wider message about accountability in the commentary box. For Pakistan cricket, the timing could not be worse. With Mohsin Naqvi’s administration already reeling from criticism over the Asia Cup, this fresh controversy has added another layer of embarrassment.
In Colombo, the heat is rising in every sense. The chatter around the commentary slip refuses to fade, Pakistan are battling both poor form and public scrutiny, and India’s arrival has set the stage for yet another chapter in this simmering saga. As the Indian team prepares to begin training here today, all eyes are fixed not just on the cricket, but on what twist comes next.