The Pakistan Cricket Board has lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports after the broadcaster aired an interview with Imran Khan’s sons during the lunch interval on the opening day of the second Test at Lord’s. As reported by ESPNcricinfo, the board also weighed pulling Pakistan’s players off the field after the break in protest.
The interview was conducted by former England captain Mike Atherton, during which Suleiman and Kasim Khan spoke about their father’s health. Imran Khan, who is the former prime minister and World Cup-winning captain, has been in prison for three years, and his sons said they feared for his life.
PCB Threatens Walkout Before Interview Airs
The PCB reportedly contacted Sky Sports ahead of the lunch break to object to the segment. Board officials warned that Pakistan’s players would not return to the field after the interval if the interview went to air. Sky Sports delayed the broadcast during these discussions but eventually ran the full 18-minute clip. By the time it ended, Pakistan’s players were already preparing to resume the second session at 2.40 pm local time.
Despite the standoff, Pakistan took the field on schedule after the interval, and no on-field protest materialised. Official comment from the PCB regarding the episode is still pending.
Atherton recorded the interview on Wednesday morning in the Writers’ Room at Lord’s, while Sky Sports had promoted the segment with a teaser ahead of the Test. PTV, which holds broadcast rights for the series, chose not to air the interview in Pakistan.
Imran Khan’s Health Sparks Wider Concern
As his sons push for better medical care on his behalf, scrutiny over Imran Khan’s health has intensified in recent weeks. Pakistan’s Supreme Court had ordered his admission to Shifa Hospital in Islamabad last week. Authorities took him to the state-run PIMS facility instead and returned him to prison shortly after a check-up. Khan’s sisters and sons have called this a violation of the court order and have demanded access to his personal doctor.
The Pakistan government has denied claims of mistreatment. In a statement to the Associated Press last week, officials said Khan has received more than 900 visits from family members, lawyers and doctors since his imprisonment began in August 2023.
Former Captains Renew Appeal Over Imran Khan’s Treatment
21 former international captains, including Atherton, wrote to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last week and urged that Khan receive proper medical care in prison. The letter carried signatures from captains representing India, Australia, England, the West Indies, and New Zealand, respectively. An earlier appeal was made in February, signed by 14 former captains, which was ignored by the Pakistan government.
The controversy has added tension to a series already marked by disputes over player conduct. Three players from both sides have already picked up demerit points for on-field behaviour through the first four days. With both boards yet to issue further statements on the broadcast dispute, the second Test is set to continue at Lord’s.
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