Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Ponting to return to commentary panel in Champions Trophy

The ICC named Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Ponting among the star-studded lineup of the commentary team in ICC Champions Trophy 2017 which is scheduled to start on June 1. Along with Ganguly and Ponting, Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara, former Black-Cap Brendon McCullum, and South Africa captain Graeme Smith are all set to make their commentary debut in an ICC event.

The other renowned names in the field of commentary to voice their opinion on the mic are Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton from Sky Sports network. Shane Warne and Michael Slater from Channel 9 network in Australia will also feature in the celebrated line-up. Athar Ali Khan, Simon Doull, Sanjay Manjrekar, Shaun Pollock, Ian Bishop and Ramiz Raja were also included to take part in the commentary box for the event being held for the third time in England.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting seemed enthused about his participation in the Champions Trophy. But Punter hopes that his team will face off against England in the final with Jason Roy facing Pat Cummins to make it a cracking contest.

“As a player, I always looked forward to the Champions Trophy. Winning it on two occasions was a big thrill. This year, I am really looking forward to it being staged in England and being a part of the commentary team.I am expecting Australia and England to make the final with Pat Cummins and Jason Roy, two guys to stand out across the two weeks. I can’t wait!” Ponting was quoted as saying by Times of India.

“Working with names like Ponting, Ganguly and Smith is going to be great fun and hopefully we can give the viewers a unique insight on the action unfolding out in the middle.” said an excited Brendon McCullum.

“The Champions Trophy is a special tournament which I loved playing in and I am honoured to have enjoyed success in. Now, as a commentator, I am very much looking forward to being part of the tournament and watching the best players in the world go head to head. Most of the teams have a chance of lifting the trophy so it promises to be a fascinating three weeks of action,” quoting the former Sri Lankan wicket-keeper Kumar Sangakkara.

Group A will feature Australia, England, Bangladesh and New Zealand whereas Group B comprises of India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and South Africa. India will play their first match against their arch-rivals Pakistan at Edgbaston on June 4.