Bangladesh may be absent from the field at this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, but the nation will still have a visible presence on the global stage through officiating and broadcasting roles. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that veteran broadcaster Athar Ali Khan has been included in the tournament’s official commentary panel, adding another Bangladeshi name to the event beyond the boundary ropes.
The tenth edition of the T20 World Cup begins on Saturday, 7 February, and is being jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh were unable to qualify for the competition after declining to travel to India, a decision that ultimately led the ICC to exclude the team from the tournament. Despite that setback, the country’s involvement continues through its experienced match officials and media professionals.
Earlier, the ICC had already announced that Bangladeshi umpires Sharfuddoula Ibne Shaikat and Gazi Sohel would officiate matches during the competition. The confirmation of Athar Ali Khan’s inclusion in the commentary line-up further strengthens Bangladesh’s representation, highlighting the growing international recognition of its cricketing professionals beyond playing roles.
The ICC released the full list of commentators on Saturday, featuring some of the most respected and familiar voices in world cricket. The lead panel includes former players and seasoned broadcasters such as Ravi Shastri, Nasser Hussain, Ian Smith and Ian Bishop. They are joined by an illustrious group of former international cricketers, captains and analysts, ensuring comprehensive coverage across teams, conditions and tactical perspectives.
Among the commentators are 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 and Katie Martin. Their combined experience spans multiple eras, formats and continents, promising depth and authority throughout the tournament.
In addition to the global ICC panel, the host broadcasters from India and Sri Lanka will feature a strong regional commentary team. Well-known voices such as Harsha Bhogle, Natalie Germanos, Danny Morrison, Alan Wilkins, Ian Ward, Mark Howard, Nick Knight, Athar Ali Khan, Kass Naidoo, Bazid Khan, Raunak Kapoor and Niall O’Brien will contribute to television and digital broadcasts, catering to diverse audiences worldwide.
The tournament will also mark the ICC commentary debut of two notable international cricketers. Angelo Mathews, a member of Sri Lanka’s victorious 2014 T20 World Cup squad, and Temba Bavuma, the captain who led his side to the 2025 ICC World Test Championship title, will both appear for the first time as part of the ICC TV commentary team. Their inclusion adds contemporary playing insight to an already formidable line-up.
Selected Members of the ICC T20 World Cup Commentary Panel
| Category | Names |
|---|---|
| Lead commentators | Ravi Shastri, Nasser Hussain, Ian Smith, Ian Bishop |
| Former international players | Kumar Sangakkara, Wasim Akram, Sunil Gavaskar, Matthew Hayden, Dale Steyn |
| Recent captains and players | Aaron Finch, Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik, Carlos Brathwaite |
| New ICC commentators | Angelo Mathews, Temba Bavuma |
| Bangladeshi representation | Athar Ali Khan (commentary), Sharfuddoula Ibne Shaikat, Gazi Sohel (umpires) |
Although Bangladesh will not compete on the pitch, the presence of Athar Ali Khan and other officials ensures that the country’s voice and influence will still be felt throughout the T20 World Cup, reinforcing its standing within the global cricketing community.