Although Bangladesh will not feature in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, a familiar face from the country will still be part of the global tournament. Former Bangladesh cricketer Athar Ali Khan has been appointed as one of the official commentators for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Athar Ali Khan, a respected voice in international cricket broadcasting, has been associated with commentary for several years and is a regular presence in major ICC and Asian Cricket Council events. Given the circumstances surrounding Bangladesh’s absence from the tournament, his inclusion in the commentary panel has drawn attention.
Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup became uncertain after the government declined to send the team to India, following which the ICC excluded the side from the tournament. Despite this development, Athar Ali Khan’s selection ensures representation from Bangladesh in a different capacity.
Who is Athar Ali Khan?
Born on February 10, 1962, in Dhaka, Athar Ali Khan is a former Bangladesh international cricketer. A middle-order batsman, he represented Bangladesh in 19 One Day Internationals, scoring 532 runs at an average of 29.5, including three half-centuries. His highest international score was 82. After retiring from playing, Athar transitioned into commentary, where he built a strong reputation for his analytical insights and calm presentation.
Star-Studded Commentary Line-up
The ICC has announced an extensive commentary panel for the T20 World Cup 2026, featuring several former international stars and seasoned broadcasters. South Africa’s Test captain Temba Bavuma will also make his debut as a commentator in an ICC senior men’s tournament. Bavuma has previously appeared in commentary roles during domestic leagues and the ICC Under-19 World Cup.
The panel also includes prominent names such as Ravi Shastri, Nasser Hussain, Ian Bishop, Danny Morrison, Simon Doull, Shaun Pollock, Kumar Sangakkara, Wasim Akram, Sunil Gavaskar, Matthew Hayden, Harsha Bhogle, Eoin Morgan, Aaron Finch, Dale Steyn, Michael Atherton, and several others.
With such an experienced and diverse group of voices, the ICC aims to enhance the global viewing experience of the T20 World Cup 2026.
