Sky has announced a star-studded commentary and presenting line-up for its 2026/27 Summer of Cricket, with New Zealand set to host India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in a packed home international season.
The coverage will feature some of cricket’s biggest names, including Ian Smith, Ravi Shastri, Stephen Fleming, Simon Doull, Sunil Gavaskar, Katey Martin, Harsha Bhogle, Ross Taylor, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, Shane Bond, Lea Tahuhu, Russel Arnold and Laura McGoldrick.
The highlight of the summer will be India’s tour of New Zealand, with the BLACKCAPS scheduled to play five T20s, five ODIs and two Tests against one of world cricket’s leading sides.
The WHITE FERNS will host Bangladesh in December, while the BLACKCAPS will finish their home summer against Sri Lanka across January and February.
Ian Smith will return to Sky’s coverage, bringing his experience and commentary to the summer’s major matches.
"It's great to be back behind the microphone for Sky,” said Smith. “You could hardly ask for a bigger stage to begin with than India. Whenever I've covered ICC tournaments, matches between New Zealand and India have carried a unique intensity and significance. I think fans are in for a very special summer."
Ravi Shastri will lead the coverage of India’s white-ball matches. The former India head coach and World Cup winner also has a long association with New Zealand cricket.
“Having made my test debut in New Zealand against Smithy playing for the BLACKCAPS, New Zealand is a special place for me, and there’s enormous respect in India for the way New Zealand plays its cricket,” said Shastri.
“To be here in the 100th year of the sporting relationship between our two countries makes this tour even more meaningful. It’s a terrific way to celebrate a rivalry built on respect.”
Stephen Fleming will provide commentary during the T20 matches, bringing extensive experience from his coaching career with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Simon Doull will also feature throughout the summer, while Sunil Gavaskar will join the Test coverage during India’s tour.
Gary Burchett, Sky’s Head of Sport Content, said the return of home international cricket was a major opportunity to bring fans closer to the game.
“Cricket is back on Sky, and we’re treating its return as a significant moment. Our focus is on bringing fans closer to the players, the tactics, the pressure and the emotion, with some of the best cricket minds in the world providing insight along the way. We want our coverage to feel intelligent, contemporary and full of energy, with the game always at the heart of it.”
For the first time in Sky’s cricket coverage, Hindi commentary will be available throughout India’s tour of New Zealand through a partnership with Sony Pictures Networks India.
Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar and Harsha Bhogle will contribute to the world feed, giving New Zealand audiences additional insight into Indian cricket and making the coverage more accessible to Hindi-speaking viewers.
“We want to bring the same depth and understanding to India’s players, supporters and cricket culture as we do to the BLACKCAPS. Offering Hindi commentary throughout the tour is part of that, helping more people across New Zealand feel connected to what will be a hugely significant series,” said Burchett.
Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer and Business Head – Sports and International at Sony Pictures Networks India, said the partnership would help connect New Zealand’s Indian community with the tour.
“New Zealand is home to a large and growing Indian community, for whom cricket remains a powerful connection to India. With the Indian team touring New Zealand for one of the biggest cricketing contests of the season, it was important that fans could experience every match in a language that brings them closer to the action.
“Our partnership with Sky to offer Hindi commentary across the entire tour recognises the passion of this community and makes the coverage more familiar, inclusive and engaging.”
Sky will also introduce enhanced broadcast technology during the summer, including Raptor Cam during India’s tour. The high-speed aerial camera will provide new views from above and around the field.
Virtual Eye technology will offer real-time tracking, 3D graphics and analysis, while a 26-camera set-up will provide additional coverage of the action.
The full summer will be available live and on-demand through Sky Sport and Sky Sport Now.