Atherton and Hussain Left Out of Pakistan Tri-Series Commentary Panel

The Pakistan Cricket Board has named a six-member commentary panel for the upcoming men's ODI tri-series involving Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka, running from October 18 to October 31 — and two of world cricket's most familiar voices are missing.

Former England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain were not included on the list, with no explanation given for their omission. Both had been part of the commentary team when England last toured Pakistan for Tests in October 2024.

Their absence follows the controversy of August 2026, when Atherton interviewed the sons of jailed former prime minister and cricket icon Imran Khan, Kasim and Sulaiman, on Sky Sports during the Lord's Test. The 18-minute segment raised concerns about Imran Khan's health in incarceration, prompting an official PCB complaint to the broadcaster.

A summer of tension

The PCB objected to the broadcast's political content and was reported to have threatened a player walkout; PTV, Pakistan's state broadcaster, suppressed the interview while Sky carried it. Atherton later defended the piece on a podcast, accusing the authorities of trying to 'airbrush Imran almost out of existence'.

Source: Times Now