Former Pakistan captain and prominent cricket commentator Ramiz Raja will not be part of the commentary panel for Pakistan’s upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka, following the Pakistan Cricket Board’s announcement of its broadcasting lineup.
The PCB has confirmed a five-member commentary panel for the three-match series, which begins on October 9 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The announcement has drawn attention because Raja, a familiar voice in Pakistan cricket coverage, is not among the selected commentators for the series.
The panel features former Pakistan internationals Salman Butt, Aamer Sohail, Bazid Khan and Urooj Mumtaz, alongside Sri Lankan commentator Roshan Abeysinghe. Sports presenter Zainab Abbas will handle the presentation duties during the series.
The omission is specific to this assignment. The PCB’s announcement does not establish that Raja has been permanently removed from its commentary plans or explain why he has not been included.
Ramiz Raja absent as PCB names commentary team
Ramiz Raja has held several prominent positions in Pakistan cricket, including representing the national team as a player and serving as chairman of the PCB. His experience in the game has also made him a recognisable figure in television commentary and cricket analysis.
His absence from the Pakistan-Sri Lanka T20I commentary panel is therefore a notable development for viewers accustomed to hearing his assessments during international matches.
However, the PCB has not publicly provided a reason for his exclusion from this particular lineup. It would be premature to connect the decision to a disagreement, disciplinary issue or change in his professional relationship with the board without supporting evidence.
The selection of a commentary team can vary from one series to another, depending on broadcasting arrangements, availability and the roles required for a particular assignment. In Raja’s case, the confirmed fact is straightforward: his name does not appear in the announced panel for the three T20Is against Sri Lanka.
The development comes during a busy period for Pakistan cricket, with the team preparing for a series of international fixtures at home.
Who will be in the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka commentary panel?
The PCB has selected a mix of former international cricketers and an experienced Sri Lankan commentator to cover the three matches.
Salman Butt is among the headline names. The former Pakistan captain brings his experience as an international opening batter and his understanding of the demands of top-level cricket.
Aamer Sohail, another former Pakistan international, is also included. Known for his experience as an opening batter, Sohail has previously worked in cricket analysis and commentary.
Bazid Khan adds further experience from Pakistan’s cricketing circles, while Urooj Mumtaz brings the perspective of a former Pakistan women’s team captain. Their inclusion provides a range of viewpoints on batting, tactics and the wider game.
Roshan Abeysinghe will represent Sri Lankan commentary expertise. His presence is particularly relevant for a series involving two teams with a long history of international competition.
Zainab Abbas will serve as the presenter, guiding viewers through the coverage and providing the link between the match action and the wider broadcast discussion.
The announced lineup is as follows:
- Salman Butt
- Aamer Sohail
- Bazid Khan
- Urooj Mumtaz
- Roshan Abeysinghe
Presenter: Zainab Abbas
The PCB’s announcement was reported on October 8, one day before the opening T20I. The five-member panel is scheduled to cover Pakistan’s three-match home series against Sri Lanka.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I series schedule
The opening match will be played on Friday, October 9, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second and third T20Is are scheduled for October 11 and October 13, with all three matches taking place at the same venue.
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | October 9, 2026 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 2nd T20I | October 11, 2026 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 3rd T20I | October 13, 2026 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
The series offers both sides an opportunity to assess their combinations and build momentum through competitive international cricket.
For Pakistan, playing at home also brings expectations from supporters who will be watching the team’s performances closely. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will aim to challenge the hosts and make the most of the opportunities presented by the short series.
With three matches packed into five days, consistency in the powerplay, control during the middle overs and execution at the death could all prove important. The commentary team will have plenty to discuss as the two sides look to gain the upper hand.
Pakistan’s busy international schedule continues
The Sri Lanka T20Is form part of a wider stretch of international cricket in Pakistan. Following the series, England is scheduled to join Pakistan and Sri Lanka for an ODI tri-series running from October 18 to October 31, with matches planned in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
That upcoming tournament means the PCB’s broadcast arrangements will remain in focus beyond the three T20Is. Commentary panels can differ between competitions and formats, so Raja’s absence from the Sri Lanka series should not automatically be interpreted as an indication of his involvement, or lack of involvement, in subsequent assignments.
The most important distinction is between a confirmed selection and speculation about the reasons behind it. At present, the published panel provides no official explanation for Raja’s omission.
For followers of Pakistan cricket, his absence may prompt questions about future commentary assignments. Any definitive answer, however, will depend on further announcements from the PCB or relevant broadcasters.
Will Ramiz Raja return to commentary for future Pakistan matches?
There is currently no confirmed information in the commentary-panel announcement indicating whether Raja will feature in another upcoming Pakistan assignment.
He has previously appeared in major Pakistan cricket broadcasts, including coverage of international series and the Pakistan Super League. For example, the PCB included him in the English commentary panel for the 2026 PSL season, according to its official announcement in March.
That history provides context for his familiarity to viewers, but it does not guarantee his selection for every series. Commentary appointments are made for specific events, and the available information does not establish what the PCB intends to do for future matches.
It is also important not to confuse the absence of a name from one panel with a formal announcement that a commentator has been dropped from all future coverage. Unless the board issues a broader statement, the scope of this development remains limited to the Pakistan-Sri Lanka T20I series.
Ramiz Raja’s absence from the Pakistan-Sri Lanka commentary panel is one of the talking points ahead of the opening T20I on October 9. The PCB has opted for a five-member lineup featuring Salman Butt, Aamer Sohail, Bazid Khan, Urooj Mumtaz and Roshan Abeysinghe, with Zainab Abbas as presenter.
While the decision may attract attention because of Raja’s profile in Pakistan cricket, the board has not announced a reason for his omission. For now, the focus shifts to the three-match series and the coverage planned for Rawalpindi.
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