PSL’s star-studded panel to commentate in Urdu

For the first time in the history of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), fans and followers of the league will be able to enjoy the action in Urdu — the country’s national language.

According to a press release issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday, a star-studded commentary panel — including Ramiz Raja, Bazid Khan, Waqar Younis and Urooj Mumtaz — will call action in Urdu for five overs in every innings, which will be carried on local feeds.

The move is part of the PCB’s drive to provide better live coverage to its fans and followers, allowing people to get closer to the event and the game, the statement said.

Joining the commentary panel for the first time are Dirk Nannes, a former Australia and Netherlands fast-bowler, HD Ackerman, a former South African cricketer, Mark Butcher and Dominic Cork, former England cricketers, and Kass Naido; Danny Morrison, Michael Slater, Alan Wilkins, and Jonty Rhodes are returning to the league, the press release stated.

“It has been an absolute honour for me to remain associated with PSL since its very first game back in 2016 and I am certainly looking forward to being in Pakistan this year for the fifth edition. I feel lucky that I will be a part of this historic event,” said Wilkins.

“There are some very talented star players who will be in action and that means we will get to see quality cricket,” the press release quoted Rhodes as saying.

Morrison added that these are exciting times for Pakistani cricket with all 34 games taking place in in the country.

Further, a new camera setup will show interactions between players and commentators during the two eliminators and the final in Lahore, giving fans a taste of on-field action, the statement read.

The coverage of the league will be done using 28 HD cameras, while the SpiderCam and the Hawkeye will implemented across all four venues — Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi — along with real time graphics and augmented reality, the statement added.