Sports · Cricket · 2 hrs ago
PCB Leaves Atherton and Hussain Off Tri-Series Commentary Panel
The Pakistan Cricket Board left Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain off its commentary panel for a men’s ODI tri-series involving Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka.
The decision comes two months after Atherton interviewed Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, during the England-Pakistan Test at Lord’s.
In the interview, the sons raised concerns about their jailed father’s health and alleged that authorities were trying to kill him through neglect and isolation.
The PCB objected to the interview’s political nature and filed a formal complaint with broadcaster Sky Sports, while Pakistan’s state broadcaster censored the segment.
The board has given no reason for leaving the two commentators out, so it is not clear whether the dispute caused their omission.
The panel includes former Pakistan players, Sri Lanka’s Roshan Abeysinghe and England’s Mark Butcher, with Zainab Abbas as presenter.
The tri-series starts on October 18 in Rawalpindi and runs through October 31, when the final is scheduled in Lahore.
The Pakistan Cricket Board left English commentators Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain off its panel for the men’s ODI tri-series.
The six-member panel will cover matches between Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka from October 18 to 31, 2026.
The omission follows controversy over Atherton’s August interview with the sons of jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The PCB objected to the interview’s political nature and filed a formal complaint with Sky Sports.
The board gave no reason for leaving Atherton and Hussain off the panel.
- Who
- The Pakistan Cricket Board, Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain.
- What
- The PCB announced a commentary panel for the men’s ODI tri-series without Atherton and Hussain.
- When
- The panel was announced on October 17, 2026. The series runs from October 18 to 31.
- Where
- The matches are in Rawalpindi and Lahore, Pakistan.
- Why
- The omission came after controversy over Atherton’s interview with Imran Khan’s sons. The PCB gave no reason for the omission.
Pakistan Cricket Board
Michael Atherton
Interview’s nature
Pakistan Cricket Board
The PCB objected to what it considered the political nature of the broadcast and filed a formal complaint with Sky Sports.
Michael Atherton
Atherton defended his involvement in the interview.
Imran Khan’s public presence
Pakistan Cricket Board
Not stated.
Michael Atherton
Atherton said the Pakistani state was attempting to “airbrush Imran almost out of existence”.
Atherton and Hussain were part of the commentary team during England’s last tour of Pakistan.
Atherton interviewed Imran Khan’s sons Kasim and Sulaiman during the Lord’s Test between England and Pakistan.
The PCB objected to the broadcast and filed a formal complaint with Sky Sports.
The PCB announced its tri-series commentary panel without Atherton and Hussain.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are scheduled to open the tri-series in Rawalpindi.
- Commentary panel
- Six members
- Tri-series dates
- October 18–31, 2026
- Teams
- Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka
- Interview length
- 18 minutes
- Interviewees
- Kasim and Sulaiman Khan
- Presenter
- Zainab Abbas
3 sources
What people are saying
blatantly trying to kill him
airbrush Imran almost out of existence