Alastair Cook joins star-studded commentary panel for PSL X
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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled an exciting and star-studded commentary panel for the upcoming HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) X, which is set to commence on April 11, 2025.
Among the distinguished voices joining the commentary booth this season are cricket legends Sir Alastair Cook, Mark Nicholas, and Wasim Akram, as well as a host of other renowned broadcasters.
The six-team tournament will run until 18 May 2025, with matches scheduled across four cities: Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi. The final will be held at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.
Sir Alastair Cook, the former England Test captain, will make his HBL PSL debut behind the microphone, adding a fresh voice to the commentary panel.
He will be joined by Mark Nicholas, a former MCC President and well-known cricket commentator who has been a staple of the sport's broadcast world for decades. Nicholas has previously worked with major networks like SKY Sports in England and Channel 9 in Australia.
Cook and Nicholas will be joined by fellow English commentators Dominic Cork and Mark Butcher. Additionally, South African commentators Jean-Paul Duminy and Mike Haysman will bring their insights to the tournament.
Former New Zealand cricketer Martin Guptill and Bangladesh's Athar Ali Khan will also add their voices to the panel. Australian cricketer and two-time ICC Women's World Cup winner Lisa Sthalekar will provide expert analysis during the matches.
Pakistan's cricketing legends on commentary duty
From Pakistan, the commentary team will feature four former Test captains: Aamir Sohail, Waqar Younis, Ramiz Raja, and Wasim Akram, all of whom have a wealth of experience at the highest level of international cricket. Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram are both members of the ICC and PCB Hall of Fame. They will be joined by former Test cricketer Bazid Khan, former Pakistan women's team captain Urooj Mumtaz, and cricket analyst Sikander Bakht.
Historic Urdu commentary debut
This year, the HBL PSL will introduce a significant innovation by broadcasting an entire match in Urdu commentary for the first time in its history.
The Urdu commentary panel will feature Ali Younis, Aqeel Samar, Marina Iqbal, Salman Butt, and Tariq Saeed, alongside the aforementioned Pakistan-based commentators for selected segments.
Excitement builds for HBL PSL X
PCB CEO Salman Naseer expressed his enthusiasm for the new commentary team, saying: 'We are excited to welcome a star-studded commentary team, featuring some of the most iconic names in the cricketing world — including legendary former Test captains and top-tier broadcasters. Their involvement not only enhances the quality of our coverage but also highlights the global stature of the HBL PSL.'
He also noted that the introduction of Urdu commentary would help bring the tournament closer to Pakistan's passionate cricket fans. 'This year, for the first time in HBL PSL history, we will be broadcasting a full match entirely in Urdu commentary – a move that brings us even closer to our passionate fanbase across Pakistan,' Naseer said. 'We are confident that the combination of iconic voices and fresh innovations will enhance the viewing experience for fans at home and around the world.'
Fans can book their tickets for the tournament online at pcb.tcs.com.pk, and the full match schedule is available on the official PCB website.
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