The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a six-member commentary panel for the upcoming men’s ODI tri-series involving Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka from October 18 to October 31.
A six-person commentary panel for the forthcoming men’s ODI tri-series between Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka, which will take place from October 18 to October 31, was announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday. Former English cricketers Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain, who made a lot of headlines back in August 2026 after speaking with the sons of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister and cricket icon Imran Khan, Kasim and Sulaiman Khan, were left off the list. However, there was no explanation provided for their omission.
When England last visited Pakistan for a three-match Test series in October 2024, both of the most well-known analysts in the world were on the commentary panel.
Imran Khan Interview Row
Kasim and Sulaiman were interviewed by Sky Sports during the England vs. Pakistan Lord’s Test. The 18-minute piece, which was hosted by Atherton, raised serious worries about Imran’s declining health in incarceration. His kids said that the authorities were “blatantly trying to murder him” by isolating and neglecting him.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed an official complaint with Sky Sports after vehemently objecting to the broadcast’s political content. As the PCB allegedly threatened a player walkout and contemplated pulling the Pakistani squad off the field for the afternoon session in protest, tensions increased.
Despite the pressure, the interview was carried on Sky; however, PTV, Pakistan’s official broadcaster, suppressed it. Later, Atherton spoke with Nasser about the matter on a podcast and justified his participation. The Pakistani government, he claimed, was attempting to ‘airbrush Imran almost out of existence’.