The former Indian wicket-keeper batter, Dinesh Karthik, has roasted the two former England captains, Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain, for a statement they made last year after India won the Champions Trophy 2025, by only playing in Dubai. Kartik hit back at the two veterans, noting that Pakistan had the same advantage but failed to capitalize. 

Pakistan, under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha, has failed to grab the advantage and exited at the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 after they earned a very small-margin victory against Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Both the England stars smiled at Karthik’s roast.

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“I expected Pakistan to make the semis; they have played in Colombo, stayed in the same hotel, and know the pitches inside out. You two fossils argued that it was a big reason behind India’s success in the Champions Trophy. By that logic, Pakistan should have delivered something in this World Cup, too.” Dinesh Karthik expressed on the Sky Cricket Podcast.

Dinesh Karthik hits back at Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain

Karthik also highlighted the fandom of Sanju Samson, whose match-winning knock carried them to the semifinal to face the England side in the T20 WC 2026 in Mumbai. He compared the fandom of the Kerala-born with the likes of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma.

Watch the video here: 

🚨 DK COOKED MIKE ATHERTON AND NASSER HUSSAIN OVER PAKISTAN'S WC EXIT

"I expected Pak to qualify for the semis because they have played consistently in Colombo, stayed in one hotel, know the pitches well, and both you FOSSILS cried that's one of the reasons India did so well in… pic.twitter.com/T4aP0k7aBU

— Brutal Truth (@sarkarstix) March 4, 2026

“Clearly, it works for one team but not for another, so there is a genuine lack of skill there. I'll back Pakistan to say they will fight a lot more, but then almost losing to Sri Lanka was mad, and on top of that, you hear about that.” Karthik addressed.

“Sanju Samson is a fantastic story, I feel. Yes, he played that wonderful innings. He is someone who has always been an enigma. People have loved him. He is, for me, the most loved cricketer. Virat, Rohit, Dhoni, and he seem to have that kind of fan following. There is something about how he carries himself. What I’ve liked in that story is that he has seen plenty of ups and downs.” The former Indian wicket-keeper concluded.

Fourteen former international cricket captains from different countries have written to Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif. They shared serious concern about the health of former Pakistan captain Imran Khan. They asked the government to ensure respectful and humane treatment.

Reports state that Imran Khan is suffering from an eye condition. His family says he has nearly lost sight in one eye and has not received proper medical support in jail. These claims have created concern both in Pakistan and across the cricket world.

As reported by The Age, Greg Chappell prepared the appeal. It was signed by Ian Chappell, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Clive Lloyd, Allan Border, Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Michael Brearley, David Gower, Steve Waugh, John Wright, Kim Hughes, and Belinda Clark. Many of them faced him during their playing days.

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Global Cricket Leaders Call for Fair Treatment

Khan’s lawyer told the Supreme Court that he lost much of the vision in his right eye while in custody. Later, a medical panel said the swelling had reduced and his eyesight had shown improvement after care.

Despite strained relations between India and Pakistan, Gavaskar and Kapil Dev added their names to the appeal. The group said updates about his health and jail conditions over the past two and a half years have caused deep worry. They believe in fairness, honour, and respect. In their view, a former national leader and sports figure should receive proper care.

Imran played 88 Tests and 175 One-Day Internationals from 1971 to 1992. He led Pakistan to its only ODI World Cup win in 1992.

The message comes as pressure increases on the authorities regarding his condition. His family says they have not been allowed to meet him for months. They also want his personal doctors to examine him, but permission has not been granted. Reports suggested he might be shifted to a hospital, though this has not taken place.

Former players Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, and Ajay Jadeja have also spoken about the need for proper medical help.

Imran Khan served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022. He has received several prison terms in different cases, including corruption charges. He and his supporters say the cases are politically motivated. A seven-year term linked to a marriage issue before the 2024 elections was later overturned.

The captains said that beyond cricket, he was a democratically elected leader who guided his country during a difficult period. They believe he deserves fair and humane care, regardless of political views.

The former Indian opening batter and captain, Sunil Gavaskar, has taken a dig at renowned commentator Nasir Hussain, reflecting on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s magnificent century from the Under-19 World Cup final against England last week, where he claimed that the innings was called the real bullying and not the kind that ‘jaundiced people’ would imagine.

Notably, Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed a fine knock of 175 runs in 80 deliveries against England in the final, which is now the highest individual score in a U-19 World Cup final as India piled a 411 and went on to reclaim the title with a commanding 100-run victory after England responded with 311.

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“In the just-concluded final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed 175 off only 80 balls against England and single-handedly took the game away from his opponents. To England’s credit, they responded well and also got to 311 in reply to the Indian score of 411. Now, what young Sooryavanshi did is bullying, and not the imaginary kind that some jaundiced people see.” Gavaskar has penned down in his column.

Sunil Gavaskar takes dig at Nasser Hussain’s old comments

In his column, Gavaskar lavished praise on the Indian opening batter. He also reminded the England side that they didn’t have the trip to Zimbabwe for the 2003 World Cup for the same reason as the politics.

“Here are some others, especially from the old powers, for whom India replacing them as the power centre of world cricket has never gone down well. They were quick to join the noise and ask whether, if India had decided not to play in a country, the ICC would have accepted their position or thrown them out of the tournament.” Gavaskar addressed.

“In the 2003 World Cup, England refused to play in Zimbabwe, perhaps because they did not like the face of the then-President Robert Mugabe announcing his policies. There was no security threat, yet they forfeited their points. Did the ICC do anything? No, because at that stage, the English and Australian boards ruled the roost, and the others did not want to upset them.” The former Indian captain noted.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the star list of commentators on the eve of the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, beginning on February 07. The roster included the name of Naseer Hussain, who made a controversial statement on the ongoing India vs Pakistan relationship after the PCB forfeited the clash against India on February 15 in Colombo.

The commentary list includes some of the other star members behind the microphone. South Africa’s Test and ODI captain, Temba Bavuma, who commented in the U19 World Cup 2026 in Zimbabwe and Namibia, is part of the list along with Sri Lanka’s Angelo Matthews.

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“The only question 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. Constantly knocking Bangladesh or Pakistan diminishes their cricket. That’s why the great games between India and Pakistan or India and Bangladesh have become one-sided over time.” Hussain said on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast.

ICC reveals T20 World Cup 2026 commentary panel

The opening game of the event will be between Pakistan and the Netherlands on February 07 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, before Scotland takes on West Indies in the afternoon fixture at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

The defending champions, India, will begin their campaign, under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, against the United States of America in the evening at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

List of commentators for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

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, Russel Arnold, Roshan Abeysinghe, Angelo Mathews, Temba Bavuma

The former England captain, Nasser Hussain, has put forth a sharp critique of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the recent chaos ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. During the recent interaction on Sky Sports Cricket, the ICC treatment was discussed by Hussain and Michael Atherton.

Nasser Hussain’s comments came after the BCCI terminated the Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman’s contract with the IPL franchise. The move triggered several events, with the situation being escalated further when PCB announced their decision to forfeit the clash against India, scheduled to happen on February 15 in Colombo.

See Also: Watch: “India’s policies in…”- Pakistan PM gives final clarification on their clash vs India in T20 World Cup 2026

“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? 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.” Hussain expressed on Sky Sports Cricket.

Nasser Hussain addresses Pakistan forfeiting T20 World Cup 2026 clash vs India

Hussain warned about the long-term damage of the imbalance caused. He concluded the topic by stating that he quite liked the fact that the BCB stood up for his players. The former PCB chairman, Najam Shethi, accused BCCI of showing double standards.

Watch the video here: 

This could upset some Indian fans, but Nasser Hussain’s comments hit hard.
He exposed the ICC’s clear double standards favoring the BCCI, questioning if the same tough rules would apply if India refused to play somewhere over government concerns.
He gave props to Pakistan and… pic.twitter.com/lKaa9gIwJ7

— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) February 5, 2026

“Constantly knocking Bangladesh or Pakistan diminishes their cricket. That’s why the great games between India and Pakistan or India and Bangladesh have become one-sided over time. I actually quite like Bangladesh sticking to their guns, 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.” The former England captain addressed the team.

“The issue is the BCCI’s attitude. At every stage, they have bullied other boards. Earlier, Pakistan was isolated, one among ten, and everyone sided with India. Now that’s changing. Nine boards signed up; we stood alone because it was inequitable.” The former PCB chairman, Najam Sethi, shed light.

We just experienced an unforgettable Test series between the hosts England and the visitors India, the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. It was the five-match Test series, where both teams never gave up without putting up their last fight, as the series ended in a 2-2 draw. Recently, former English cricketers Michael Atherton and Naseer Hussain spoke about the series and compared it to one of the greatest Test series the Ashes 2005. 

Ashes 2005 is a great example of Test cricket

Ashes 2005 is known as one of the greatest Test series in history, which the hosts England won by 2-1 to end their 16-year drought for the Ashes urn. It was a series of legends and high-quality battles in every moment. While it is hard to find a competitive Test series like the Ashes 2005, especially a long Test series, the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 has impressed many cricket experts.

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England vs India Test series 2025: Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025

In the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, both England and India gave everything for the series. Those battles were so intense that the injured cricketers Rishabh Pant and Chris Woakes couldn't put themselves out of the game. 

Former English captain Naseer Hussain recently asked his long-time Test teammate Michael Atherton, where the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 could challenge the Ashes 2005, which some have felt. In reply, Atherton refused to agree on it, but he also said that the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 would be one of the best series since the Ashes 2005. Atherton further added that the Ashes 2005 was a higher quality Test series, which can't be compared easily. 

Atherton said on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, "No, I don't think the quality was as good as 2005. I don't think I'll see a better series than the 2005 Ashes. I just think one team on the rise, one great team on the decline, an emerging team, absolutely great players at the top of their game. But I think probably the best series since '05. I mean, the 2023 Ashes was a fantastic Ashes, wasn't it? But I probably put this one as the best series since 2005 because of those dramatic moments like Woakes and Rishabh Pant and the way the series twisted and turned. So I reckon probably the best series that I've covered since '05."

Nasser and Athers debate whether the recent England vs India series was as good as The 2005 Ashes? 💭 pic.twitter.com/zdnzqvBb6q

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 13, 2025

The share of focus, along with the fifth day of the five-match Test series between England and India at the Kennington Oval, will also be on Chris Woakes, and whether he gets to bat with a broken shoulder that he did on the opening day of the fixture, and didn’t take any further part in the game.

The former England captain, Nasser Hussain, looked back at the Headingley clash when Malcolm Marshall, the former West Indies captain, walked with the bat in the same circumstances. He also reckoned that there would be cameras on the veteran, whether he turns to the net sessions for a couple of hits.

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‘I don’t know if you remember Malcolm Marshall with a broken arm in Headingley, and our very own, Paul Allott, was bowling, and Malcolm Marshall was just swinging with one hand. We are going to have a camera on Chris Woakes to see if he is going to the nets to do some throwdowns this morning.’ Nasser Hussain expressed on day 5 of the fifth Test on Sky Sports Cricket.

Watch: Nasser Hussain comments on Chris Woakes' potential batting in ENG vs IND 5th Test  

‘He probably would be in the dressing room. What you have to be careful of is the duties of caring as well. If he has got one arm in the sling and got bouncers to come, and once you have sent someone out there, India can do what they want to win the game.’ The Chennai-born added.

"England will hope it doesn't come down to Chris Woakes, India will hope it does" 🗣️

Nasser Hussain on the potential of Chris Woakes batting today 🏏 pic.twitter.com/QCBtRNSQjk

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 4, 2025

Joe Root, in the last press conference, claimed that the all-rounder would come to bat as he was ready to put his body on the line for the national side. If he does, it would be a critical situation with the Three Lions needing 35 runs with four wickets in hand.  

‘There is a bit of a duty of care to Chris Woakes. But if it’s five or 10 runs to win, as with Rishabh Pant when he was hobbling down the stairs in the previous Test, I think the exact will happen. England will hope it doesn’t come down to Chris Woakes, and India will hope it does,’ Hussain concluded.

The fifth and final Test between India and England is shaping up to be a nail-biting finish. Starting Day 4, India looked in control, with England still needing 324 runs to win and only one wicket down.

However, England staged a strong fightback through key partnerships that kept the chase alive. The hosts steadily chipped away at the target, frustrating the Indian bowlers with a composed batting display.

As the day neared its end, England were just 35 runs away from victory with three wickets remaining. But play was halted early due to poor light and rain, leaving the outcome hanging in the balance. The star commentators weren’t happy with this pause at the end.

See Also: Weather forecast for Day 05 of ENG vs IND 5th Test at Kennington Oval

Commentators Take Dig at ‘Match Officials’ Decision:

Rain paused the final session of the final Test, leading the umpires to send the players back to the pavilion. With conditions not improving, stumps were declared early, pushing the match into a decisive fifth and final day.

Experienced commentators Nasser Hussain and Dinesh Karthik questioned the umpires' decision to call stumps before time. They felt the game, which was building up to a thrilling finish, should have continued and reached its conclusion in front of a full crowd at the stadium.

On Sky Sports, Nasser Hussain said, “ Most importantly for viewers and fans who paid good money, remember Monday is a workday, and this sort of series deserves a finale in front of a big crowd at an iconic cricket ground, the Oval. That would have been some finale on Sunday, you may have just knocked off 35, or you may have seen Chris Woakes walk downstairs in a sling. I'm just wondering if they could have done anything, they had like 42-43 minutes to play with and within the laws and the playing regulations.”

He further said, “ If the groundsman had said no, we can't get the covers off in that time, the umpires would have to call stumps. I'm just wondering, you do have the option of the extra half hour, don't you? If you feel you can get result at 7.30, if there was 10 to win, the umpires would have given the team the extra half hour, I was just wondering if you could give the extra half hour at 6:42 (11:12 PM IST) and say to the teams, it has to come from the teams.”

Agreeing with Nasser Hussain, Dinesh Karthik also expressed disappointment over the early end to the day’s play. He remarked that the match officials should have applied some “common sense” before making such a decision, especially with the match so finely poised.

Karthik said, “ Little bit of rain, and I agree the rules are the rules, but I kind of like what Nasser said, that half an hour extension that you get meant, even if it meant it needed to start at 6.45, it could well have been 11, 12 hours, it could have gone either way, the crowd would have gotten to see the result, and it's a nice feeling to know that both teams have gone so hard, you give them the option, they don't want to use it, fair enough, everybody's going to come back tomorrow for whatever it's worth, but today, I think a little bit more common sense would have been to ask, I'm not saying it should happen, to ask I think is the fair thing to do.”

The buzz around the upcoming Ashes is already touching the ceiling. The prestigious 5-match Test series will start in November, later this year. Before that, there were plenty of weeks left. But the cricket world already is witnessing the rising heat. Former cricketers from both nations have started to exchange words through various media platforms. 

Former England captain Nasser Hussain also joined the rank by issuing a warning to his nation's boys who will take a flight to Australia for The Ashes. Hussain said that there, in Australia, England cricketers will need to stay mentally tough. Because the visiting side has to deal with mind games. 

"I do think you need tough cricketers. And I mean people who would stand up out there. When you go out there, you are not taking on 11 Australian cricketers; you are taking on a nation. You’ll get out there, and the media will be on you. Within a week of landing, they will say, ‘Is this the worst England side ever to come?’ which was probably true in our case. Can’t bowl, can’t bat, can’t field. The headline will come out ‘Stuart Broad is a…something bloke", Nasser Hussain said while speaking to Sky Sports Cricket while sitting by the side of Stuart Broad. 

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'You have to be up for the fight'

For example, he mentioned Darren Gough, Ian Botham, Andrew Flintoff, and Stuart Broad, who achieved success against Australia, in Australia, not only for the skills they used to possess but also for the blend of skills and fearless nerves, according to Nasser. 

"So, you are taking on them; you are taking on the public. If you look historically, the characters, not just cricketers, who have done well against Australia—Darren Gough stood up to everyone, Ian Botham, Andrew Flintoff, and Stuart Broad. People that would not back down in a battle because that is what the Ashes is. It is a battle for however long, however many days, and you have to be up for the fight," he added. 

"People that will not back down in a battle" 😤

Nasser Hussain says England need 'tough cricketers' in their squad to travel to Australia for the Ashes 👊 pic.twitter.com/1dDhyaLsuh

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 3, 2025

It was the 138th over of the innings towards the end of the fifth day in the fourth Test of the five-match series at Old Trafford in Manchester, when Ben Stokes, the England captain, walked up to the India batters, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, to shake hands. But he was surprised when the two lads decided not to accept the proposal.

It was a shocker to the England side. The two batters, who worked hard in challenging conditions against the home attack, were keen to get the rewards. However, Stokes was aware of how his bowlers were being broken down during that period, and he didn’t want to take any risks. The former England captain, Nasser Hussain, sheds light on the incident.

See Also: Know what law suggests about India batters not shaking hands when Ben Stokes offered to call off ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

‘I didn’t have a problem with it. I know, England seemed to have a problem with it. They had tired bowlers, tired legs, and tired bodies. They wanted to get off. But two lads worked hard to get into the 80s. In the 90s, they wanted Test match centuries. Stokes didn’t have to bowl Brook, and it looked a bit silly in the end. But we make far too many things with these,’ Hussain expressed on Sky Sports Cricket.

Watch: Nasser Hussain reacts to India refusing to shake hands in Eng vs Ind 4th Test in Manchester

The general rule states that there is no restriction on players shaking hands with each other to call the game off. It’s the earliest point in the last hour when a mutual agreement could signal the green light for the decision.

"I didn't have a problem with it, they deserved to be there at the end"

Nasser Hussain on the final few overs play at Old Trafford 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/FrWukypZQd

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 27, 2025

‘They wanted well; they deserved to draw; they deserved to be there at the end. Only England’s second-ever draw under this Bazball ratio. The other one was also at this ground because of the rain. This one is drawn because England wouldn’t roll over, and those two left-handed batters were brilliant.’ Nasser added in the video.

Stokes later admitted in the press conference that with the next Test starting in three days, he was not too keen to take any chances with his main bowlers, who looked dead on their feet by the end of the clash.