PCB omits Atherton and Hussain from tri-series panel after Imran interview row
Atherton and Hussain left out of Pakistan tri-series commentary team
The Pakistan Cricket Board has named a six-member commentary panel for the men’s ODI tri-series featuring Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka, with Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain absent from the line-up.
Their omission comes two months after Atherton interviewed Kasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan, sons of jailed former Pakistan prime minister and cricket captain Imran Khan, during the Lord’s Test between England and Pakistan in August 2026. The PCB has given no public reason for leaving the two English commentators out of the upcoming assignment.
The 18-minute Sky Sports interview raised concerns about Imran Khan’s health in prison. His sons alleged that authorities were “blatantly trying to kill him” through neglect and isolation. The PCB objected to what it viewed as a political segment and filed a formal complaint with Sky Sports. Pakistan reportedly considered staying off the field for an afternoon session in protest; Sky Sports broadcast the interview, while Pakistan’s state broadcaster PTV censored it.
Atherton later defended his involvement on a podcast with Hussain, saying the Pakistani state was attempting to “airbrush Imran almost out of existence”. Atherton and Hussain had previously been part of the broadcast team for England’s three-Test tour of Pakistan in October 2024.
Younis joins from Pakistan’s second match
The panel comprises former Pakistan internationals Waqar Younis, Aamir Sohail, Bazid Khan and Urooj Mumtaz, alongside Sri Lanka’s Roshan Abeysinghe and England’s Mark Butcher. Zainab Abbas will present. Younis is set to join the team from Pakistan’s October 20 match against England at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
ODI tri-series schedule
- October 18: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
- October 20: Pakistan vs England, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
- October 22: Sri Lanka vs England, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
- October 25: Pakistan vs England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- October 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- October 29: Sri Lanka vs England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- October 31: Tri-series final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are scheduled to open the tournament in Rawalpindi on October 18.