Bangladesh may be absent from the playing field at this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, but the country’s presence will still be felt prominently beyond the boundary ropes. The International Cricket Council has confirmed that former Bangladesh captain and respected broadcaster Ather Ali Khan has been named to the official commentary panel for the tournament, ensuring Bangladeshi representation on the global stage despite the team’s exclusion.
Bangladesh will not feature in the tenth edition of the T20 World Cup after declining to travel to India, a decision that ultimately led the ICC to leave the side out of the competition. The absence has been a disappointment for supporters, particularly given the team’s growing stature in white-ball cricket over the past decade. However, the ICC had earlier reassured fans that Bangladesh would still be represented in other crucial roles.
Two Bangladeshi officials, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat and Gazi Sohel, were previously confirmed as part of the tournament’s elite umpiring panel. The announcement of Ather Ali Khan’s inclusion in the commentary team further strengthens Bangladesh’s off-field involvement in one of cricket’s biggest global events.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup begins on Saturday, 7 February, and is being jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Ahead of the opening match, the ICC released its full list of commentators, featuring some of the most recognisable and authoritative voices in international cricket broadcasting.
Leading the commentary line-up are experienced figures such as Ravi Shastri, Nasser Hussain, Ian Smith and Ian Bishop, all renowned for their insight, clarity and ability to bring the game alive for global audiences. They are joined by an impressive mix of former captains, elite all-rounders and specialist analysts, including Aaron Finch, Dinesh Karthik, Kumar Sangakkara, Eoin Morgan, Wasim Akram, Sunil Gavaskar, Matthew Hayden, Michael Atherton and Dale Steyn.
Ather Ali Khan, long admired for his articulate analysis and deep understanding of Bangladeshi and international cricket, will contribute as part of the broader broadcast teams covering matches in India and Sri Lanka. His presence not only reflects his personal standing within the commentary profession, but also signals growing recognition of Bangladeshi voices in global cricket media.
Adding further interest, two high-profile international stars will make their ICC TV commentary debuts during this tournament. Angelo Mathews, a member of Sri Lanka’s 2014 T20 World Cup-winning side, and Temba Bavuma, captain of the team that lifted the 2025 ICC World Test Championship, will both appear behind the microphone for the first time at an ICC event.
Selected ICC T20 World Cup Commentary Panel
| Category | Notable Names |
|---|---|
| Lead commentators | Ravi Shastri, Nasser Hussain, Ian Smith, Ian Bishop |
| Former captains & players | Kumar Sangakkara, Aaron Finch, Eoin Morgan, Wasim Akram, Sunil Gavaskar |
| Specialist analysts | Michael Atherton, Matthew Hayden, Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock |
| Broadcasters (India & Sri Lanka) | Harsha Bhogle, Danny Morrison, Alan Wilkins, Ian Ward |
| Bangladeshi representative | Ather Ali Khan |
| New ICC TV commentators | Angelo Mathews, Temba Bavuma |
While Bangladesh’s absence from the tournament itself remains a talking point, the inclusion of Ather Ali Khan in the commentary panel ensures that the country’s cricketing voice will still resonate throughout the World Cup, offering perspective, balance and insight to millions of viewers worldwide.