Sky’s Summer Cricket Coverage

Media Release: Sky unveils star-studded line-up for New Zealand’s biggest Summer of Cricket

• Sky’s 2026/27 Summer of Cricket will feature a world-class commentary and presenting line-up, 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.

• In a first for Sky’s cricket coverage, Hindi commentary will be available for the full India tour in partnership with Sony Pictures Networks India, alongside enhanced production features including Raptor Cam and Virtual Eye technology.

Sky has unveiled its coverage plans for the 2026/27 Summer of Cricket, as BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS home internationals return to Sky for a blockbuster season featuring India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Live and on-demand on Sky Sport & Sky Sport Now, the summer will be headlined by India’s tour of New Zealand, with the BLACKCAPS set to face one of world cricket’s greatest teams across five T20s, five ODIs and two Tests.

The WHITE FERNS will host Bangladesh in December before the BLACKCAPS close out the home summer against Sri Lanka in January and February.

Sky’s commentary team will feature some of the most recognisable voices in the game, 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 and Russel Arnold.

Ian Smith, the voice of cricket in New Zealand returns to Sky, bringing sharp analysis, energy and big-moment calls that have made him a crowd favourite. 

“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.”

Fronting India’s white-ball matches is Ravi Shastri, ICC World Cup winner, former India head coach and long-time broadcaster. Shastri brings unmatched knowledge of the touring side and big-match presence to Sky’s coverage.

“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 join Sky’s coverage during India’s tour, commentating on the T20s. Recently appointed as England’s Test coach, Fleming brings rare insight to Sky’s India broadcasts, having built one of the strongest coaching records in modern Indian cricket through his leadership role with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.

Former BLACKCAPS bowler and prominent commentator Simon Doull will feature across the summer, while ICC Cricket Hall of Famer Sunil Gavaskar will join Sky for the Test matches during India’s tour.

Gary Burchett, Sky’s Head of Sport Content, says the return of home international cricket is an exciting opportunity to bring Kiwi 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.”

Hindi commentary for India’s full tour

In a first for Sky’s cricket coverage, Sky is partnering with Sony Pictures Networks India to offer Hindi commentary throughout the India tour on Sky Sport Select, making the series more accessible to audiences.

Through the partnership, Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar and Harsha Bhogle will contribute to Sky’s world feed, bringing their experience and understanding of Indian cricket to audiences in New Zealand. 

“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, Sony Pictures Networks India, said: “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.”

Broadcast innovation

Sky’s Summer of Cricket coverage will feature broadcast technology including Raptor Cam during the India tour – a high-speed aerial camera that moves above and around the field to capture angles and perspectives not possible with traditional fixed cameras.

Virtual Eye technology will provide real-time tracking, 3D graphics and analysis as the action unfolds, while a 26-camera set-up will bring viewers closer to the action.

Sky’s full Summer of Cricket broadcast line-up for 2026/2027:

India Tour of New Zealand (Men’s) 22 Oct-1 Dec

Commentators – T20’s & ODI’s: Ian Smith, Ravi Shastri, Stephen Fleming, Simon Doull, Katey Martin, Ross Taylor, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, Shane Bond.
Commentators – Tests: Ian Smith, Simon Doull, Sunil Gavaskar, Katey Martin, Harsha Bhogle, Scott Styris.
Presenter: Laura McGoldrick

Bangladesh Tour of New Zealand (Women’s) 10-23 Dec

Commentary Team: Katey Martin, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, Shane Bond, Lea Tahuhu.
Presenter: Laura McGoldrick

Sri Lanka Tour of New Zealand (Men’s) 10 -23 Dec

Commentary Team: Ian Smith, Katey Martin, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Shane Bond, Katey Martin, Lea Tahuhu.
Presenter: Laura McGoldrick/George Harper Jr