PCB snubs Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain after Imran Khan interview controversy

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has assembled a six-man commentary panel for the upcoming ODI tri-series between Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka, set to take place from October 18 to 31. However, the PCB has chosen not to include former English commentators Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain in the line-up. This decision follows a controversy surrounding their interview with Kasim and Sulaiman Khan, sons of former Pakistani Prime Minister and cricket icon Imran Khan, during a Lord's Test match in August 2026.

The interview, aired on Sky Sports, lasted 18 minutes and stirred controversy due to allegations of the Pakistani authorities attempting to fatally neglect and isolate Imran Khan. The PCB objected to the political nature of the segment and lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports. Tensions escalated to such an extent that the PCB reportedly threatened a player walkout and Pakistan contemplated refusing to play in the afternoon session.

Despite the controversy, the interview aired on Sky Sports, while Pakistan's state broadcaster PTV censored the segment. The new commentary panel includes former Pakistani players Waqar Younis, Aamir Sohail, Bazid Khan and Urooj Mumtaz, along with Sri Lanka's Roshan Abeysinghe and England's Mark Butcher. Zainab Abbas will serve as the presenter.

Younis will join the panel from the second fixture, Pakistan vs England at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 20. The tournament commences on October 18 with Pakistan facing Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi.