Despite criticism of ICC, Nasser Hussain named in T20 World Cup commentary panel

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has been named as part of a star-studded commentary team that will work for the International Cricket Council during the T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. The ICC confirmed the commentary panel on the eve of the tournament’s opening day, which will see India, Pakistan and the West Indies in action.

Hussain has been one of the regular voices on the ICC’s commentary panels at major tournaments across genders and age groups. Widely regarded as one of the most respected commentators in the game, Hussain recently created a stir after criticising the global governing body and backing Pakistan’s decision to boycott their T20 World Cup match against India, as well as Bangladesh’s decision not to travel to India before they were replaced by Scotland in the 20-team tournament.

Speaking on the Sky Sports Podcast alongside Michael Atherton, Hussain alleged that the ICC’s preferential treatment of powerful boards, particularly India, has deepened the imbalance in world cricket. The former England captain has been outspoken about the functioning of the ICC on several occasions in the past.

“If India, a month before a tournament, said, ‘Our government does not want us to play in a country for a World Cup’, would the ICC have been so firm and said, ‘You know the rules, bad luck, we’re knocking you out?’” Hussain said.

“The only thing all sides ask for is consistency. Bangladesh, Pakistan and India must be treated the same. Yes, India fans may say, ‘Cry more, we have the money!’ But with power comes responsibility.

“I actually quite like Bangladesh sticking to their guns and standing up for their players. I quite like Pakistan sticking up for Bangladesh as well. At some stage, someone should say, enough with this politics — can we just get back to playing cricket,” Hussain added.

The ICC did not respond to Hussain’s comments.

WHO ARE PART OF ICC’S STAR-STUDDED COMMENTARY PANEL?

Apart from Hussain, former India cricketers Ravi Shastri, Dinesh Karthik, Robin Uthappa, Sunil Gavaskar and Harsha Bhogle are part of the panel. Pakistan greats Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Ramiz Raja are also among the commentators.

Although Bangladesh are not part of the T20 World Cup, Athar Ali Khan will feature on the commentary panel.

World Test Championship–winning captain Temba Bavuma is among the new additions to the regular lineup.

Ravi Shastri, Nasser Hussain, Ian Smith, Ian Bishop, Aaron Finch, Dinesh Karthik, Kumar Sangakkara, Samuel Badree, Robin Uthappa, Carlos Brathwaite, Eoin Morgan, Wasim Akram, Sunil Gavaskar, Matthew Hayden, Ramiz Raja, Dale Steyn, Michael Atherton, Waqar Younis, Simon Doull, Shaun Pollock, Katey Martin, Harsha Bhogle, Mpumelelo Mbangwa, Natalie Germanos, Danny Morrison, Alan Wilkins, Ian Ward, Mark Howard, Nick Knight, Athar Ali Khan, Kass Naidoo, Bazid Khan, Raunak Kapoor, Niall O’Brien, Preston Mommsen, Andrew Leonard, Russell Arnold, Roshan Abeysinghe, Angelo Mathews and Temba Bavuma.

WHAT IS THE PAK–BAN CONTROVERSY IN THE T20 WORLD CUP?

The T20 World Cup has been hit by a major diplomatic standoff after Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the tournament lineup. The controversy began when the Bangladesh Cricket Board, backed by its government, refused to play scheduled matches in India due to security concerns and requested that the fixtures be moved to neutral venues in Sri Lanka.

The ICC rejected the request, citing a lack of verifiable threats, and subsequently disqualified Bangladesh for non-participation. The move has been criticised by former players and analysts, who see it as evidence of the BCCI’s disproportionate influence over global cricket governance.

In a dramatic show of solidarity, Pakistan announced a boycott of their highly anticipated group-stage match against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. While the Pakistani government cleared the team to take part in the rest of the tournament, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan would “not take the field” against India in protest at what he described as the unfair exclusion of Bangladesh.

The decision has sent the ICC into a tailspin, as the potential loss of the India–Pakistan fixture — estimated to be worth nearly USD 500 million in commercial value — threatens the financial returns of all member boards and has led to urgent negotiations to avoid wider disruption to the tournament.

WILL PAKISTAN CHANGE ITS MIND?

That remains to be seen. While Pakistan’s Prime Minister reiterated the government’s stance earlier this week, Sri Lanka Cricket has written to the Pakistan Cricket Board urging it to play the match against India, citing the potential losses the co-hosts would incur through ticket cancellations and a downturn in tourism.

India, for their part, have said they will travel to Colombo and complete all pre-match routines in preparation for the February 15 fixture. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, speaking to the media on Thursday, said the board would have to follow the government’s directive in this matter.

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