The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a six-member commentary panel for the men's ODI tri-series featuring Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka, scheduled from October 18 to 31. Former England cricketers Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain are missing from the list, with the board offering no explanation.

Atherton interviewed Kasim and Sulaiman Khan, the sons of jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister and World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan, for Sky Sports around seven weeks ago. The interview drew strong objections from the PCB and sparked a wider dispute over the broadcast.

Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain Missing from PCB's Commentary Panel

Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain are among the best-known voices in cricket broadcasting. Both were part of the commentary team when England last toured Pakistan for a three-match Test series in October 2024.

Their absence from the upcoming ODI tri-series has attracted attention amid the controversy involving Atherton.

The PCB announced the six-member panel on Saturday. It includes former Pakistan internationals Waqar Younis, Aamir Sohail, Bazid Khan and Urooj Mumtaz, alongside Sri Lankan commentator Roshan Abeysinghe and former England batter Mark Butcher. Zainab Abbas will serve as the presenter.

Waqar Younis will miss the opening match and join the commentary team for the second fixture, when Pakistan face England at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 20.

What Happened During Michael Atherton's Imran Khan Interview?

Michael Atherton interviewed Kasim and Sulaiman Khan during the England-Pakistan Test at Lord's in August 2026. Sky Sports aired the 18-minute segment, in which Imran Khan's sons raised concerns about their father's health and treatment in prison.

They alleged that authorities were trying to harm him through medical neglect and prolonged isolation. The PCB strongly objected to the interview's political content and lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports.

The dispute escalated, with the board reportedly considering keeping Pakistan's players off the field for an afternoon session in protest. Sky Sports went ahead with the broadcast, while Pakistan's state broadcaster, PTV, censored the segment.

Michael Atherton later discussed the controversy with Hussain on a podcast and defended his decision to conduct the interview. He said the Pakistani state was trying to “airbrush Imran almost out of existence.” The PCB has not linked the commentators' omission to the dispute or publicly explained its decision.

Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka Tri-Series Schedule

The ODI tri-series will begin on October 18, with Pakistan taking on Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. England will face Pakistan at the same venue on October 20, followed by England's match against Sri Lanka on October 22.

The tournament will then move to Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium for the remaining league matches on October 25, 27 and 29. The top two teams in the standings will qualify for the final, which is scheduled for October 31 at the same venue.

The tournament will give all three sides valuable 50-over match practice. With the 2027 World Cup approaching, the tri-series will also offer them a chance to fine-tune their combinations and build momentum ahead of the tournament.