Atherton and Nasser dropped from commentary panel after Imran sons interview row
After the controversy over the interview with Imran Khan's two sons, two former England captains, Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain, have not found a place in the commentary panel for the ongoing ODI tri-nation series.
Nasser and Atherton were involved in that interview with Imran's two sons, Qasim and Sulaiman Khan, broadcast on Sky Sports. That connection has now come forward as the reason for their exclusion from the panel.
Indian media outlet NDTV reported that, because of that much-discussed interview, the Pakistan Cricket Board, or PCB, did not keep Nasser and Atherton in the six-member commentary panel.
The interview, broadcast on Sky Sports during the Lord's Test last August, caused an uproar. The interview crossed the boundary of cricket and turned into a political controversy.
In the interview, Qasim and Sulaiman alleged that, through neglect and isolation, the Pakistani authorities are openly trying to kill their father.
Qasim claimed that several political prisoners have died in Pakistan's prisons. He fears the government wants to bring about the same outcome for Imran Khan.
The two brothers also said Imran spends more than 23 hours a day alone in a small cell. They alleged that, citing technical reasons, the Pakistani authorities also refused to give them visas.
The Pakistan government, however, has denied those allegations. The government claims Imran's relatives, lawyers and doctors have not been prevented from meeting him.
After the interview was broadcast, the PCB protested. Alongside threatening not to send the players onto the field in the afternoon session, the PCB lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports, reports said.
Pakistan's state broadcaster PTV, however, did not broadcast the interview inside the country. As a result, although the controversy remained largely in the international sphere, its fallout has now reached the commentary panel.
During England's most recent tour of Pakistan in 2024, both Atherton and Nasser were in the commentary panel. Their exclusion this time has given rise to fresh discussion.
Meanwhile, there is also concern over the health of Imran Khan, imprisoned since 2023. Various reports have claimed he has lost about 75 percent of his eyesight.
Several former cricketers have written to the Pakistan government demanding that Imran's treatment be ensured. After this commentary panel decision, that controversy seems set to continue for some time beyond the series as well.
