Nasser Hussain Archives

Nasser Hussain slams ICC, backs Pakistan, Bangladesh in T20 World Cup dispute

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has strongly criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the T20 World Cup 2026, backing Pakistan and Bangladesh in their stand against what he described as inconsistent and biased decision-making by the global governing body.

The debate intensified after the Pakistan government announced on February 1 that the national team would boycott their group-stage clash against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed the move a protest against the ICC’s decision to remove Bangladesh from the tournament after they refused to play in India over security concerns.

Bangladesh were subsequently replaced by Scotland, a decision that sparked criticism from several quarters of the cricketing world.

Hussain, speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, questioned the ICC’s consistency and suggested that the governing body has shown preferential treatment towards India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

“There has always been a link between sports and politics, but what used to be an exception now feels like the norm,” Hussain said.

“It’s very depressing, not shaking hands, not lifting trophies. Cricket used to unite countries; now it’s pushing people apart.”

He raised concerns over whether the ICC would apply the same strict stance if India were to make a similar request regarding venues in future tournaments.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“If India, a month before a World Cup, said their government didn’t want them to play in a particular country, would the ICC really be so firm and say, ‘You know the rules, bad luck, you’re out’?” Hussain questioned.

The former skipper emphasised that consistency should be the guiding principle in dealing with politically influenced decisions by member boards.

“All sides ask for is consistency. You have to treat Bangladesh the same as Pakistan, and Pakistan the same as India,” he said.

Nasser Hussain also warned that repeatedly sidelining Pakistan and Bangladesh could have damaging consequences for the sport in those nations, ultimately affecting the competitiveness of major cricketing rivalries.

“With power comes responsibility. If you keep knocking Pakistan and Bangladesh into a corner, their cricket diminishes, and the great contests we’ve seen over the years risk becoming one-sided,” he added.

The 57-year-old further pointed to the growing influence of politics in franchise cricket, questioning whether teams with Indian ownership are willing to sign Pakistani or Bangladeshi players, while praising the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for ensuring inclusivity in The Hundred.

Highlighting the broader impact on the sport, Hussain applauded Bangladesh for standing by Mustafizur Rahman and Pakistan for showing solidarity, urging cricket’s powerbrokers to prioritise the game over politics.

“The game is shooting itself in the foot. At some point, someone had to say enough with the politics, can we just get back to playing cricket?” he concluded.

READ: Lahore Qalandars announce Mustafizur Rahman as direct signing for PSL 11

Sunil Gavaskar slams former England captains, defends India’s Dubai advantage

Legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar has hit back at Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton after the former England captains raised concerns over India playing all their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai.

With India refusing to travel to Pakistan due to political tensions, the ICC scheduled all their group-stage games in Dubai, a move that sparked debate over fairness. However, Gavaskar dismissed England’s complaints, calling them excuses for their own failures.

Speaking to Sports Today, the Indian legend criticized the constant whining from former English cricketers, urging them to reflect on their own team’s early exit from the tournament rather than fixating on India.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“I think these are all wise and experienced people. Why don’t you actually look at why your team has not qualified? That’s what I was going to ask you, sir,” Sunil Gavaskar stated.

“Rather than constantly focusing on India, are you even looking at your own backyard? Your players are in such a fragile mental state, they don’t seem to care about results as long as they meet certain expectations.”

England’s semi-final hopes were dashed after losses to Australia and Afghanistan, prompting Hussain and Atherton to question whether India had an unfair advantage. But Gavaskar was quick to shut down the narrative.

“All the time, they are moaning, ‘India has got this, India has got that.’ It’s constant. We must just ignore it. Let them keep moaning. We have better things to focus on. That is the kind of attitude you must have,” he further stated.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

Sunil Gavaskar also highlighted India’s massive influence in world cricket, both in terms of on-field dominance and financial contributions through media rights and sponsorships.

“They just cannot seem to understand where India stands in international cricket in terms of quality, income, talent, and, more importantly, in terms of generating revenue,” he said.

“India’s contribution to global cricket through television rights and media revenue plays a massive role. They need to understand that their salaries also come from what India brings to the world of cricket.”

READ: Champions Trophy: England registers unwanted ODI record after defeat to South Africa

Nasser Hussain names Jos Buttler’s replacement for England’s captaincy

Former England captain and renowned commentator Nasser Hussain has thrown his support behind Harry Brook to replace Jos Buttler as the country’s new white-ball captain after the disastrous ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.

Buttler, who led England to ICC T20 World Cup glory in 2022, has now endured three disappointing major tournaments as captain.

Following England’s early exit from the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, the 34-year-old officially stepped down as captain, leaving England in search of a new leader.

Nasser Hussain, in his column for the Daily Mail, backed Brook as the best available option, citing England’s limited captaincy choices due to the lack of domestic 50-over cricket.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

“Harry Brook would be my choice as England’s next limited-overs captain now it’s clearly time to move on from Jos Buttler,” he wrote.

“If you’re having to think about being England captain, as Buttler said he would be after Champions Trophy elimination earlier this week, you probably know you’re done.”

However, while advocating for Brook, Hussain also pointed out the challenges of appointing him, especially with England’s packed Test calendar, which includes a home series against India and the Ashes.

“There would be issues with appointing Brook. In such an important year, do you really want to pass on all the burdens of leading a struggling side to a young man and make his life more difficult? England are trying to play a lot of their Test players in white-ball cricket, but do they want their captain to be part of that as well?” he questioned.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Harry Brook has been Buttler’s deputy since January but has struggled to balance his role, managing just one half-century in his last 10 white-ball games.

Despite this, Nasser Hussain recalled Brook’s previous leadership experiences and praised his ability to handle dual responsibilities.

“I enjoyed watching him captain last year, whether it be in the Hundred or against Australia, when he scored a hundred in one of the games – which suggested he was quite happy balancing the two roles,” he added.

“But you’ve still got to be careful. You don’t want to weigh down a very talented young player with it all.”

READ: Former Pakistan captain calls for complete overhaul after Champions Trophy exit

Nasser Hussain names THIS Pakistan batter as future ‘fab four’ contender

Former England captain and esteemed commentator Nasser Hussain has praised Pakistan’s promising batter Saim Ayub, identifying him as a potential member of cricket’s next ‘Fab Four.’

The term ‘Fab Four’ was originally coined by late New Zealand great Martin Crowe back in 2013, when he predicted that Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson would dominate the cricketing landscape in the upcoming years.

His prediction proved right, as all four players went on to shatter many records and dominate the world, setting an impressive standard of excellence and consistency.

Nasser Hussain, in a recent cricket podcast with his compatriot Michael Atherton, spoke highly of Saim, highlighting his remarkable ability to adapt across all three formats of the game.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“I’m going to go with Saim Ayub [for the next ‘Fab Four’], who I think is a multi-format player. He just had this injury, and it’s uncertain whether he’ll be fit for the Champions Trophy, but he could be a dynamic player at the top of the order for Pakistan across all formats,” Hussain remarked.

Nasser Hussain also named England’s Harry Brook and India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal as other contenders for the next ‘Fab Four.’

He also suggested Australia’s Travis Head as the fourth member, but Atherton humorously dismissed this suggestion, pointing out Head’s age.

Meanwhile, Atherton predicted that Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis and New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, alongside Brook and Jaiswal, will form the next ‘Fab Four.’

READ: Ali Tareen offers new opportunity to Ihsanullah after PSL 10 snub

Nasser Hussain compares Kamran Ghulam to Steve Smith after debut century

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has heaped high praise on Pakistan’s middle-order batter Kamran Ghulam after he scored a century on his Test debut and compared him to Australian batting maestro Steve Smith.

Kamran was included in Pakistan’s Playing XI for the second Test in place of star batter Babar Azam and he made an immediate impact with a century on his debut.

He came into bat with Pakistan struggling at 19-2 inside ten overs and helped the team recover with a 149-run stand with Saim Ayub for the third wicket.

The right-hander played a defiant knock of 118 runs from 224 balls, laced with eleven boundaries and one six before falling prey to Shoaib Bashir.

Nasser Hussain appreciated Kamran after the conclusion of the first day while speaking on Sky Cricket. The former England captain praised the maturity of Kamran’s innings, during which he played both aggressively and defensively according to the balls.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“He had to wait his turn. He’s been scoring prolific runs in the last three years. He got the right balance between attack and defence. They lost a couple of early wickets – on debut you want to get out there and that will have helped him,” Nasser said.

He went ahead and praised Kamran’s confidence and attitude, drawing a comparison with Steve Smith.

“Pakistan players generally love the sweep shot, he’s got that in his locker. He used his feet as well. He’s got a bit of Steve Smith about him when he defends the ball and charges. He’s got a bit of swagger about him,” he added.

With his maiden Test century, Kamran Ghulam became the 13th player from Pakistan to cross the three-figure on debut.

The last Pakistani player to achieve this feat was Abid Ali, who scored a century against Sri Lanka in December 2019.

Pakistan players to score Test century on debut

Khalid Ibadulla vs Australia — 1964
Javed Miandad vs New Zealand — 1976
Saleem Malik vs Sri Lanka — 1982
Mohammad Wasim vs New Zealand — 1996
Ali Naqvi vs South Africa — 1997
Azhar Mahmood vs South Africa — 1997
Younis Khan vs Sri Lanka — 2000
Taufeeq Umar vs Bangladesh — 2001
Yasir Hameed vs Bangladesh — 2003
Fawad Alam vs Sri Lanka — 2009
Umar Akmal vs New Zealand — 2009
Abid Ali vs Sri Lanka — 2019
Kamran Ghulam vs England — 2024

It’s worth noting that Kamran is only the second Pakistani player to score a hundred on Test debut while batting at number four. Prior to him, Saleem Malik achieved this feat in 1982.

READ: Mohammad Haris says players prohibited to discuss India in dressing room

WATCH: Chris Woakes makes Nasser Hussain fall off his chair

LONDON: England pacer Chris Woakes made renowned commentator Nasser Hussain fall off his chair by bowling spin in the third Test against Sri Lanka at The Oval on Saturday.

The incident occurred in the seventh over of Sri Lanka’s first innings when the on-field umpires, due to bad light, told England captain Ollie Pope to bowl spin with Woakes two balls into his fourth over.

Consequently, Woakes had to make a surreal transition and decided to bowl as an off-spinner, leaving Joe Root in splits.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Furthermore, in the balcony region, England’s regular Test captain Ben Stokes, who has been away from action due to an injury, looked shocked watching his frontline pacer bowling as an off-spinner.

However, what attracted fans’ attention the most was a video of Nasser Hussain falling from his chair in the commentary box.

“In the commentary box, Nasser almost fell off his chair. The effect of Chris Woakes’ off-spin,” former England captain Michael Atherton informed fans during commentary.

However, it is important to note that Nasser Hussain falling from his chair was not from the moment it was thought of and instead was a prank by Michael Atherton, in a bid to provide a comical moment in the aforementioned fixture.

He described it as Nasser Hussain feeling the effects of Chris Woakes’ spin bowling.

The right-arm pacer started well as a spinner, allowing only a single on his first two deliveries.

Chris Woakes, however, faltered on his third delivery as a spinner as he pitched the ball horribly short, allowing Kusal Mendis to pull it towards the fine-leg region for a four.

He reciprocated with an arm ball, which Mendis respectfully worked for a single towards deep cover.

READ: England make one change to ODI squad for Australia series

WATCH: Mohammad Amir’s fiery spell reminds Nasser Hussain of Champions Trophy

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir turned the clock back during The Hundred 2024, prompting former England captain Nasser Hussain to draw a comparison with the left-armer’s spell in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final.

Amir, representing the Oval Invincibles in the inaugural match of The Hundred 2024 against Birmingham Phoenix, demonstrated exceptional bowling prowess by taking two wickets in just 15 balls and delivering nine dot balls.

During the commentary, Nasser Hussain praised the Pakistani bowler highly, reminiscing about Amir’s memorable spell against India in the final of the Champions Trophy 2017, played at the same venue.

“He likes bowling here [The Oval]. 2017 Champions Trophy final. Shikhar Dawan, India gone. Rohit Sharma, India gone. Virat Kohli gone. 3 for 16 he got in that Champions Trophy final, bowling this end,” said Hussain.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by No Mi EDITX (@noman.sabir.5)

Amir’s two-wicket spell was supported by Adam Zampa’s 3-11, as they bundled Birmingham Phoenix for 89, which was easily chased.

For the unversed, Mohammad Amir wreaked havoc on India’s top order in the Champions Trophy 2017 final, dismissing the star-studded trio of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, to help Pakistan achieve one of the most glorious feats in history.

Amir’s sensational figures of 3 for 16 in six overs helped the Green Shirts to bowl out India for 158 while chasing a mammoth 339-run target.

READ: All-round Calvin Savage leads Texas Super Kings to crush Seattle Orcas

‘It’s been absolute please’ Nasser Hussain hails Pakistan’s warm welcome

KARACHI: Former England captain and renowned commentator Nasser Hussain has thanked Pakistan for the warm reception during his historic tour of the country.

Taking to Twitter, Nasser said he would remember the warm welcome given to him in Pakistan.

“Thank you Pakistan… Will always remember your warm welcome back !! It’s been an absolute pleasure..” he wrote.

Thank you Pakistan… Will always remember your warm welcome back !!
It’s been an absolute pleasure..
⁦@RBReever⁩ ⁦@Athersmike⁩ ⁦@snapperhead333⁩ pic.twitter.com/a3gfEYsJtH

— Nasser Hussain (@nassercricket) December 20, 2022

The former England opener was one of the commentators in the star-studded panel which also includes Michaels Atherton and David Gower during the historic three-match series between Pakistan and England.

This was the first occasion when Nasser and Atherton came to Pakistan as broadcasters.

It is pertinent to mention here that England sealed a comprehensive eight-wicket win in the final Test and handed Pakistan their first-ever home series whitewash.

READ: AUS v SA: Gabba pitch rated ‘below average’ after first Test

‘If I was teaching any young boy cover drive, I’d say watch Babar’ Nasser

KARACHI: Former England captain and renowned commentator Nasser Hussain heaped praises on Pakistan’s all-format captain and top-ranked white-ball player Babar Azam, stating he would tell the youngsters to watch him play cover drives.

Nasser, in an interview, responded to the host’s question regarding which international cricketers, the youngsters should emulate playing cover drives and said he would tell them to watch Babar and some other international players including India’s KL Rahul.

“I’ve named Ian Bell, in Women’s game Lenning and Wolvaardt. Absolutely beautiful and it’s even more pleasing [to] the eye because it is a touch game. KL Rahul, for someone that plays a lot of white-ball cricket, I watch him a lot,” Nasser stated.

“Kane Williamson, again, someone who plays it right underneath him. I don’t think there’s any cricketer in the history of the game that’s played the ball later than Williamson. Joe Root, his cover and that open face that gets going through the ball,” he continued.

The former England captain then made a special mention for Babar and apologized to Indian fans for rating him above Virat Kohli, before declaring that if he were teaching any young boy, he would have him watch Babar’s cover drive.

“I’m going to be biased. Sorry Indian fans but I’m gonna go with Babar Azam. I nearly went Kohli because I think Kohli is slightly different. Kohli has a bit more of a flick of the wrist of it. Babar Azam has just a lovely little [touch],” Nasser shared.

“If I was teaching any young girl to watch, I’d ask her to watch Meg Lanning. I’m teaching any young boy to watch a cover drive. I would say watch Babar,” he maintained.

READ: Zaman loses to Canada’s Dhesi, bags second silver for Pakistan in CWG

‘History tells you that India struggle against left-arm pacers’ Nasser

LONDON: Former England captain and renowned commentator Nasser Hussain heaped praises on Pakistan left-arm speedsters Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Amir while claiming that India have a history of struggling against left-arm pacers.

Hussain, in a press conference, post India’s historic ODI series victory over England in their backyard after 2014-15, heaped praises on the bench strength of the Men in Blue.

The former England captain also advised the touring side to play courageously and suggested their batters become familiar with left-arm bowlers.

“India are a very strong team, but they need to learn from what happened in the past. In the last T20 World Cup in the UAE they were a bit timid with the bat, so they need to stop being that,” Hussain said.

“When you have Pandya and Pant in the middle order and then Jadeja that rope to follow, you don’t need to be timid at the top,” he stressed.

Hussain then went on to mention a few occasions when left-arm pacers wreaked havoc over the Indian batting line-up and gave reference to the Pakistan-India clash at the previous year’s ICC T20 World Cup and ICC Champions Trophy 2017.

“They need to play to left arm [pace bowling] a little bit better. History tells you that Shaheen Shah Afridi blew them away one evening in Dubai, Mohammad Amir blew them away one afternoon at the Oval in a final, and Reece Topley has blown them away here [at Old Trafford],” he stated.

“They need to be a bit more tensed to their batting, so some of their seamers will come down in a T20, in the last two overs with 20 to win. One of those seamers will need them to get across the line,” he added.

READ: PCB permits seven centrally-contracted players to partake in KPL 2