Cricket in Pakistan is more than a sport—it’s a national obsession, uniting over 240 million people across ethnic and linguistic divides. At the heart of this fervor are the commentators whose voices have narrated the game’s triumphs and heartbreaks, weaving unforgettable moments into the nation’s cultural fabric. From the pioneering days of Radio Pakistan to the global broadcasts of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), commentators like Omar Kureishi, Chishty Mujahid, and Tariq Saeed have defined how Pakistan experiences cricket. Their eloquence, passion, and insight have elevated iconic moments—like Javed Miandad’s last-ball six in 1986 or the 1992 World Cup victory—into enduring legends. This article explores the evolution of cricket commentary in Pakistan, spotlighting the voices that shaped the game, the challenges they faced, and their lasting impact on a cricket-mad nation.
The Dawn of Cricket Commentary: Radio’s Golden Era (1950s-1960s)
Cricket commentary in Pakistan began with Radio Pakistan in the 1950s, when the newly independent nation sought to establish its cricketing identity. With television yet to arrive, radio was the medium that brought Test matches to millions, many of whom were illiterate and relied on vivid narration to visualize the game. Two pioneers, Omar Kureishi and Jamsheed Marker, set the standard, blending erudition with passion.
Omar Kureishi: The Voice of a New Nation
Omar Kureishi, a Karachi-based journalist, was Pakistan’s first iconic commentator, starting in the early 1950s. Educated at Oxford and steeped in cricketing lore, Kureishi brought a poetic flair to his broadcasts, making listeners feel the swing of Fazal Mahmood’s deliveries or the elegance of Hanif Mohammad’s cover drives. His friendship with Pakistan’s first captain, Abdul Hafeez Kardar, gave him unique insights, and he advised on team strategy, notably during the 1954 Oval upset against England. Kureishi’s influence grew in the 1970s when his friend Zulfikar Ali Bhutto became prime minister, leading to his appointment as team manager for the 1974 England tour. His commentary, marked by phrases like “It’s up in the aaaiirrr!” during tense moments, became synonymous with Pakistan’s early cricketing pride. Kureishi’s mentorship shaped future commentators, and his voice remained prominent until the late 1970s.
Jamsheed Marker: The Diplomat of the Mic
Jamsheed Marker, a Parsi diplomat, treated commentary as a passionate hobby alongside his illustrious career, which included ambassadorships to over ten countries. Starting in the 1950s with Kureishi, Marker’s polished diction and deep cricketing knowledge captivated listeners. His commentary during Pakistan’s first Test win against India in 1952 painted a vivid picture of national pride for radio audiences. Marker’s departure in 1965 to focus on diplomacy left a void, but his legacy as a mentor to players like Kardar and a refined voice endures.
Impact and Challenges
In an era of limited media, Kureishi and Marker made cricket accessible, fostering a national fanbase. Their English commentary, the universal language of cricket, reached urban elites, but the lack of Urdu broadcasts limited rural access. Both treated commentary as a side pursuit, reflecting the era’s amateur ethos, yet their professionalism set a high bar. The challenge was sustainability—Marker’s exit and Kureishi’s solo dominance highlighted the need for new voices.
The Television Era: Voices of the Masses (1970s-1990s)
The advent of Pakistan Television (PTV) in 1970 revolutionized cricket commentary, bringing live Test matches into homes. As television ownership grew, commentators became household names, their voices amplifying iconic moments like Imran Khan’s 1992 World Cup triumph.
Chishty Mujahid: The Grand Old Voice
Chishty Mujahid, born in 1944 in New Delhi, emerged as a legendary figure, often called the “grand old voice” of Pakistani cricket. After studying law at Cambridge, Mujahid began radio commentary in 1967, debuting during an MCC Under-25 tour. His move to PTV in 1970 marked him as one of Pakistan’s first TV commentators alongside Kureishi. Mujahid’s articulate style, blending technical insight with storytelling, made him a fan favorite. His commentary during Pakistan’s 1975 series against West Indies, narrated with Kureishi and Iftikhar Ahmed, captured the nation’s imagination. Mujahid’s global reach—commentating for BBC Urdu, Doordarshan, and Sony—earned him awards, including PTV’s Best Commentator in 1986 and Radio Pakistan’s Excellence Award in 2001. His lament in 2012 about declining commentary standards underscored his commitment to quality.
Iftikhar Ahmed: The Man of the Moment
Iftikhar Ahmed, another Kureishi protégé, joined PTV in the mid-1970s, becoming a voice of Pakistan’s cricketing golden age. His iconic call, “Man of the Moment,” during Javed Miandad’s last-ball six against India in the 1986 Austral-Asia Cup, immortalized the shot and cemented his legacy. Ahmed’s refined delivery and ability to capture drama, as seen in his commentary during Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup semi-final, resonated with fans. His work alongside Kureishi and Mujahid on PTV and Radio Pakistan created a trio that defined the era, though Kureishi’s prominence often overshadowed others.
Munir Hussain: Urdu’s Pioneer
Munir Hussain brought Urdu commentary to the forefront, making cricket accessible to rural and non-English-speaking audiences. Starting in the 1960s with Radio Pakistan, Hussain’s passionate Urdu narration during the 1970s home series against New Zealand connected with millions. His work laid the groundwork for Urdu’s prominence in the 1980s, though his quieter style contrasted with Kureishi’s flair. Hussain’s contribution was critical in a nation where 59% were illiterate, ensuring cricket’s mass appeal.
Challenges and Evolution
The shift to television demanded visual storytelling, which Kureishi, Mujahid, and Ahmed mastered. Urdu commentary, spurred by Hussain, grew to 50% of airtime by the 1970s, reflecting cultural inclusivity. However, the reliance on non-cricketers sparked debate, as global trends favored former players like Richie Benaud. Pakistan’s education system, less robust than Australia’s or England’s, meant few cricketers had the language skills for commentary, setting the stage for a new era.
The Cricketer-Commentator Wave: 1990s-2000s
As global cricket embraced former players as commentators, Pakistan followed suit, with mixed results. The 1990s saw cricketers like Mohsin Khan and Ramiz Raja enter the commentary box, bringing on-field expertise but facing scrutiny over language and delivery.
Mohsin Khan: A Trailblazer
Mohsin Khan, a former Test opener, debuted as a commentator during the 1995 Sahara Cup, earning praise for his technical insights and polished English. His analysis of bowling errors and fielding lapses during Pakistan-India clashes made him a standout, proving Pakistani cricketers could compete with international peers like Sunil Gavaskar. However, his success was an exception, as others struggled to match his fluency.
Ramiz Raja: From Player to Pundit
Ramiz Raja, a 1992 World Cup hero, transitioned to commentary after retiring in 1997. His articulate style and insider perspective shone during the 2006 England-Pakistan series on Sky Sports and Test Match Special. Raja’s YouTube channel, Ramiz Speaks, with over 2 million subscribers in 2024, extends his influence, analyzing PSL matches and ICC tournaments. As PCB chairman (2021-2022), he prioritized commentary training, reflecting his belief in its importance. Raja’s survival in international circuits, alongside Wasim Akram, underscores his adaptability, though critics note his occasional bias toward Pakistan.
Wasim Akram: The Sultan of Swing’s Voice
Wasim Akram, Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler, became a global commentary star, known for his technical expertise on swing bowling. Commentating for Star Sports during the 2025 Champions Trophy, Akram’s wit and fluency in English and Urdu captivated audiences, especially during India-Pakistan clashes. His ability to explain complex tactics, like reverse swing, made him a fan favorite, though his coaching commitments limit his commentary stints.
Challenges and Criticism
The shift to cricketer-commentators exposed gaps. Many, like Intikhab Alam or Azhar Khan, lacked the vocal clarity or language skills of Kureishi’s era, leading to fan backlash. Social media, with memes mocking poor grammar, highlighted public discontent. A 2019 report noted fans found 60% of National T20 commentary subpar, blaming untrained ex-players. The PCB’s failure to provide language or media training, unlike India’s structured programs for Harsha Bhogle, left Pakistan lagging.
The New Generation: Diversity and Digital Impact (2010s-Present)
The 2010s brought fresh voices, including women and Urdu specialists, reflecting Pakistan’s evolving media landscape. The PSL’s global reach and social media’s rise amplified their influence, but quality remained a concern.
Tariq Saeed: Reviving Urdu Commentary
Tariq Saeed, a former cricketer turned commentator, revitalized Urdu commentary in the 2010s, especially during PSL broadcasts. After a 1970s injury ended his playing career, Saeed’s audition with Radio Pakistan in the 1980s, mentored by producer Khalid Waqar, launched his journey. His evocative Urdu phrases, like “dhokay-baaz gaind” (deceptive ball), during PSL 2023 matches, resonated with fans, earning praise on X: “Tariq Saeed’s voice is legendary!” His work for Al Jazeera and Deutsche Welle globalized Urdu commentary, filling the gap left by Munir Hussain. Saeed’s push for 50% Urdu airtime mirrors India’s multilingual model, ensuring inclusivity.
Urooj Mumtaz: Breaking Barriers
Urooj Mumtaz, a former Pakistan women’s captain, emerged as a standout commentator, praised for her crisp delivery and technical insight. Debuting in 2019 during the Pakistan-West Indies women’s series, she shone in the 2024 Pakistan-England Tests, earning Reddit acclaim: “Urooj is the best Pakistani commentator out there.” Her fluency and ability to analyze spin bowling, rooted in her playing experience, challenge male-dominated norms. Mumtaz’s rise, alongside Marina Iqbal, signals a brighter future for women in commentary.
Marina Iqbal: Pioneering Women’s Voices
Marina Iqbal, Pakistan’s first female cricketer-commentator, broke ground in 2018 during the Pakistan-Australia series in Malaysia. Her commentary in the 2020 National T20 Cup, despite trolling over her pitchside heels, showcased resilience, with her retort, “I’m a former Pakistan player. I know the protocols,” trending on X. Iqbal’s interactive style, explaining pitch conditions, complements Mumtaz’s fluency, though critics note her need for vocal polish.
Zainab Abbas: The Modern Presenter
Zainab Abbas, a sports presenter and commentator, brought glamour and expertise to PSL and ICC events. Though not a cricketer, her passion and media savvy, evident in her 2024 T20 World Cup commentary, earned her a global following. Abbas’s ground interviews and X presence, with 1 million followers, amplify Pakistan’s cricketing narrative, though she emphasizes presentation over technical analysis.
Challenges and Digital Dynamics
The new generation faces scrutiny over consistency. Social media amplifies criticism, with 70% of X posts during the 2023 National T20 Cup mocking commentators’ errors, per a local study. The PCB’s lack of formal training contrasts with India’s Star Sports academy, leaving talents like Bazid Khan or Aamir Sohail struggling to match global standards. Digital platforms, however, offer opportunities—Raja’s YouTube and Abbas’s X posts engage younger fans, with #PSLLive garnering 500,000 posts in 2024.
Impact on Pakistan’s Cricket Culture
Commentators have shaped Pakistan’s cricketing identity:
- Cultural Glue: Kureishi’s narration of the 1954 Oval win and Iftikhar’s 1986 call united diverse ethnic groups, fostering national pride. Today, Saeed’s Urdu commentary connects rural fans, with 60% of PSL viewers preferring local languages, per a 2023 survey.
- Memorable Moments: Phrases like “Man of the Moment” or “Boom Boom” for Shahid Afridi’s sixes, voiced by Iftikhar and international peers, are etched in memory, replayed on X with millions of views.
- Inspiring Generations: Mujahid’s eloquence inspired youth like Saeed, while Mumtaz and Iqbal empower women, with female commentary viewership up 20% since 2019, per PCB data.
- Global Reach: Akram and Raja’s international stints, alongside Abbas’s ICC work, elevate Pakistan’s soft power, countering stereotypes during events like the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Challenges for the Future
Pakistan’s commentary faces hurdles:
- Training Gaps: Unlike India’s structured programs, the PCB offers minimal coaching, with 80% of commentators learning on the job, per a 2019 report.
- Language Barriers: Ex-players like Shoaib Akhtar excel in Urdu but struggle in English, limiting global appeal. Only 10% of commentators are bilingual, per P@SHA.
- Gender Inclusion: Despite Mumtaz and Iqbal, women comprise just 5% of commentators, facing cultural skepticism, per a 2021 Dawn study.
- Digital Pressure: Social media demands instant charisma, but errors spark memes, with 50% of X posts during PSL 2024 critiquing delivery.
- Competition: Global voices like Harsha Bhogle and Ian Bishop set high standards, with 70% of Pakistani fans on X preferring international panels for ICC events.
Pathways to Excellence
To sustain its commentary legacy, Pakistan can:
- Establish Training Academies: A PCB-run school, modeled on Star Sports, could train 100 commentators annually, focusing on language and analysis.
- Promote Bilingualism: Subsidizing English and Urdu courses for ex-players, like Akhtar or Waqar Younis, can globalize their reach.
- Support Women: Scholarships for female commentators, as seen with Mumtaz, can raise their share to 20% by 2030.
- Leverage Digital Platforms: Partnerships with X and YouTube, like Raja’s channel, can engage 10 million more fans, per 2024 digital trends.
- Celebrate Heritage: Archiving Kureishi’s and Mujahid’s broadcasts on PTV’s digital platform can inspire new talent, preserving history for 50 million viewers.
Pakistan’s cricket commentators, from Kureishi’s poetic radio days to Mumtaz’s modern fluency, have been the voice of a nation’s passion, turning matches into shared memories. Their words have celebrated heroes like Imran Khan and Babar Azam, uniting fans across divides. Despite challenges—training gaps, language barriers, and digital scrutiny—their legacy endures, amplified by X and global broadcasts. By investing in training, embracing diversity, and leveraging digital platforms, Pakistan can ensure its commentators remain as iconic as its players. In a country where cricket is life, these voices—past, present, and future—continue to define the game, stitching every boundary and wicket into the fabric of a nation’s soul.
