The star-studded commentary panel was unveiled via a video on social media recently which also features former India spinner Harbhajan Singh.Sehwag and Akhtar were seen having engaged in a fun banter.
It was Akhtar who initiated the conversation by hilariously calling Sehwag a “gentle off-spinner”.
Akhter went on to continue: “Don’t be afraid, Veeru. The last time the three of us (Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar) were playing, you were cleaning your spectacles on the field.”
“I wear contact lenses now.. to look at your beautiful face,” pat came the reply from Sehwag who was known for his aggressive batting style.
Upon learning that Harbhajan Singh would also be part of the commentary panel later, Sehwag said: “Are there only bowlers allowed in this commentary panel? No worries, tum sabke liye mai akela hi kafi hoon (For you guys, I’m enough)”.
The commentary team includes notable figures such as Rohan Gavaskar, Saba Karim, Nikhil Chopra, Vivek Razdan, Alan Wilkins, Simon Doull, Daren Ganga, Danny Morrison, and Niall O’Brien.
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Former India captain Anjum Chopra as well as ex-cricketer and sports broadcasters Reema Malhotra and Natalie Germanos will be three esteemed female commentators on the panel.
The tournament begins on January 19 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium with a clash between defending champions Gulf Giants and Sharjah Warriors.