The PSL Commentators & Presenters that will star off the field – Do you know them well?
As the buzz around PSL 5 warms up and we approach the opening week, HBLPSL 5 announced their list of official presenters and commentators. It is interesting to note that this event is more of a cricket carnival than a mere tournament. With star-studded team ambassadors, commentators, presenters and – ahem – the players of course, we have quite a game to look forward to! So let’s kick off with our top 11 presenters who will bring us the best of the best from the action on and off the field!
1. Dominic Cork
The most heart warming, gladdening story belongs to the former England international Dominic Cork.
A story of fear and despair, a story of horror and human frailty in the face of terror, a story of hope, compassion, success of Cricket and eventual success of Pakistan as a nation. The man who once said “I won’t be coming back here while I’m still living. I don’t think international teams should come back to this country, whether it’s 10 or 20 years.” has changed his mind about the country he so vehemently wanted to avoid. Dominic Cork was commentating in the match when Cricketers were attacked in Lahore. He made those comments on that fateful day. Now after a decade he A great story if there ever was!
2. Zainab Abbas
Zainab Abbas may not be the first female sports presenter from Pakistan but it can be safely said that she is the most famous one.
Zainab started her career as a sports presenter in 2015 and has since become household name in cricket presentation in Pakistan. She is able to put the interviewees at ease and is able to elicit candid answers. She has hosted various cricket chat shows and we will be listening to her views and her interviews from the sidelines in the upcoming PSL. She is now married to the grandson of the first Captain of the Pakistan cricket team so the connection with cricket runs deep.
3. Ramiz Raja
To be the opening batsman of the World cup winning team is no mean thing, but the real calling of Ramiz Raja has been commentary.
It will not be wrong to say that he is the first commentator from Pakistan who got world wide recognition.
Affectionately, know as Rambo, Ramiz is famous for his distinct style of commentating. His hairstyles over the years have gained some following but his real USP is his sharp observation and frank analysis.
4. Waqar Younis
One half of the two W’s, Waqar Younis was born to bowl fast.
In his heydays he was one of the fastest bowlers in the world with the longest and best looking run-up ever. Usain Bolt was so inspired by his run-up that he used to support Pakistan instead of his native team of West Indies in his younger days. People would choose their seats in the stadium where they would get the best view of his long flowing graceful .
One of the most lasting memories for 90’s kids is watching Waqar running in with 4 fingers in his left hand (he lost his little finger in a swimming accident in his younger years). He married a medical doctor and is now settled in Australia but he is never far from Pakistan cricket. Having coached Pakistan he is well equipped to analyse and comment on the aspects that others may not be aware of.
5. Erin Holland
Along with Zainab Abbas, former Miss World Australia will be the other presenter in the PSL.
She has been working in entertainment industry for a few years now. A talented lady with skills in singing, acting, and dancing. She had also worked as a leading lady in Broadways but in coming days she will be leading the presentations from the sidelines.
6. Urooj Mumtaz
The former Pakistan international player, has been associated with development of women Cricket in Pakistan, and we’re loving her presence on this forum!
As a former player she understands the shortcomings and can elaborate on how to improve them when it comes to domestic women’s cricket. Urooj has also been working in Sports programs for a few years now and has a way with words. She has her own distinct manner of explaining matters that has grown on her audiences. She and the other 3 women presenters, are a welcome addition in a male-dominated presentation team.
7. Kass Naidoo
The commentary team also includes Kass Naidoo.
In Pakistan, she is not the most popular person but perhaps this will change with this PSL edition as it should. She is an inspirational person who dreamt of making it big as a sports journalist where there were not many women involved with the profession and boy, did she make it big. She is an award winning sports journalist with a mention in a BBC documentary. We are looking to seeing her in PSL
8. Danny Morrison
When God was giving away legs, Danny was away but it did not stop him from becoming a fast bowler with an awesome swing.
His short frame did not came in the way of him becoming an opening bowler. He is a jolly fellow, always in a great mood. We are looking forward to his quirky sense of humour and his cheers of excitement every time the ball flies out of the park or someone gets a wicket.
9. Dirk Nannes
One of the hand full of players who have represented two international teams, Australia and Netherlands, in Cricket.
Nannes has been associated with broadcasting for a few years now and his skiing background came in handy when he covered the Winter Olympics in Seoul. His international experience as a fast bowler will surely come in handy when he gives his comments in PSL
10. Jonathan Rhodes
Jonathan for his mother and Jonty for all the rest of us, is widely regarded as, the best fielder to have ever played the game of cricket.
He is the first guy who added the ‘sexy’ in fielding! He has a different perspective and acute observations and like his fielding, he rarely let’s anything go by.
11. Alan Wilkins
Cardiff born Alan Wilkins, having worked with BBC among others, is a popular broadcaster.
He has covered Tennis (Wimbledon) and Cricket extensively. Having worked in PSL over the years, he has picked up a fair bit of Urdu and we are looking forward to his expert views. Along with Karachi Kings skipper Imad Wasim, he is the most popular Welsh-born person in PSL.
So there you have it! Our Top 11 PSL 5 Commentators in a nutshell! Get ready to listen to some star battles off the field as well as on!
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