Michael Atherton

Kevin Pietersen has backed players prioritizing IPL commitments over early returns for international duty, defending Jofra Archer's absence from England's Test. Pietersen argued that former cricketers who didn't experience the IPL lack perspective on modern players' choices. Captain Ben Stokes also defended Archer, highlighting the evolving cricketing landscape and new opportunities.

Jofra Archer is reportedly unfazed by criticism in England over missing the first Test against New Zealand due to IPL commitments with Rajasthan Royals. Assistant coach Trevor Penny said Archer remains relaxed despite comments from former captains Michael Atherton and Michael Vaughan. Meanwhile, Jacob Bethell has left the IPL after suffering a finger injury.

Jofra Archer's stellar all-round performance secured Rajasthan Royals a spot in the IPL 2026 playoffs, defeating Mumbai Indians by 30 runs. Archer's quickfire 32 and crucial 3/17 bowling spell silenced critics and propelled the Royals to a fourth-place finish, setting up a clash with Sunrisers Hyderabad. Mumbai's disappointing season concluded with a loss.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has offered more options and opportunities to younger players but it has also disrupted the game of cricket, feels former England captain Michael Atherton.

A cricket fan was initially denied entry to the Sheffield Shield final for wearing a "Free Imran Khan" T-shirt, but Cricket Australia later reversed the decision. Authorities clarified that support for the jailed former Pakistan captain is considered a humanitarian issue, not a political one, allowing fans with similar messages entry.

Former England captain Michael Atherton believes that India's potent spin attack, led by Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel, will secure the five-Test home series victory over Ben Stokes and the England team.

Joining in on the challenge were the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) commentators during the first India v England Test at Rajkot and boy they nailed it like a boss.

Love the game and tell good stories about cricket, is the message former England skipper Michael Atherton has conveyed to the scribes involved in taking the sport to the fans.

Michael Atherton has openly criticised the move by the cricket boards of England, India and Oz to take control of ICC and also enjoy bigger share of revenues.

Young pacer Mohammad Amir should not be punished and instead be helped with rehabilitation if found guilty, feels former England captain Michael Atherton.

England won't be taking their strongest Test team to Australia for the five-match Ashes series, but the hosts are a less than threatening side themselves apart from the pace bowlers, says former England former captain Michael Atherton.

Former England skipper Michael Atherton achieved a fair share of success as an opener. During a chat with Sony Ten Pit Stop, Atherton - who 115 Tests and 54 ODIs for England --- felt the most important criteria for an opener to excel was to have a strong mind.

With Virat Kohli's Test retirement, Team India faces the daunting task of filling the crucial number 4 batting position. Michael Atherton expresses concern about finding a suitable replacement after decades of dominance by Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar. While names like KL Rahul and Shubman Gill are being thrown in the air, who will be India's pick for the England tour?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, under Rajat Patidar's leadership, have reached the IPL 2025 final, defeating Punjab Kings. Dinesh Karthik's role as batting coach is drawing attention, with predictions of exuberant celebrations if RCB win their first title. Karthik's coaching has already shown positive results, and he expresses a strong connection to the team and a desire to contribute to their success.

India's resounding 336-run victory over England at Edgbaston, leveling the series 1-1, drew praise from cricket pundits. Akash Deep's stellar 10-wicket match haul, stepping in for Bumrah, fueled India's triumph. Shubman Gill etched his name in history with scores of 269 and 161. Atherton acknowledged India's dominance, highlighting the psychological impact of winning without Bumrah.

India will need to set England a minimum of 300 runs as target if they are to feel comfortable about defending it in good batting conditions at The Oval, feels former English batsman Michael Atherton.

Former England skipper Michael Atherton believes the ICC ODI Super league is "incredibly complex" and the game's governing body should have come up with "a bit more straightforward" qualification system for the 2023 World Cup in India.

Former captain Michael Atherton has termed Jofra Archer's bio-secure bubble breach "very foolish" as his irresponsible act has thrown the team's plans into disarray ahead of second Test against the West Indies starting on Thursday.

Former England skipper turned pundit Michael Atherton visited Pakistan during the Pakistan Super League and the former opener believes that while it was indeed sad that cricket returned to the country after a long hiatus due to security issues, the turn out during the PSL was also a positive sign as the country gears up to host more international cricket in the future.

Former England cricketer Michael Atherton praised debutant spinner Shoaib Bashir for his impressive performance in the second Test between India and England at Visakhapatnam. Atherton praised Bashir's calm demeanor and his accuracy and bounce due to his height. He noted that Bashir looked completely nerveless and bowled accurately throughout the 28 overs, highlighting the limited pitch for him and others.