Karachi, Pakistan – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) considered not sending its players back to the field after the lunch break on the opening day of the second Test against England at Lord’s, following a Sky Sports interview with the sons of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The PCB reportedly sent a formal complaint to the broadcaster after the interview aired, which featured former England captain Mike Atherton speaking with Imran’s sons, Kassim and Suleman, about their father’s health and well-being.
The PCB had objected to the telecast of the conversation, recorded on Wednesday, and even considered keeping its players off the field after lunch in protest if Sky went ahead with the broadcast. However, the visitors did take the field as scheduled, with England ending the day at 248 for nine. In Pakistan, PTV, which is broadcasting the series, did not show the interview. The PCB has refused to comment on the matter, but sources confirmed the formal complaint.
Imran Khan’s health has become a major talking point globally. He was recently taken for a medical examination at Shifa Hospital in Islamabad on the directions of Pakistan’s Supreme Court but was brought back to prison after a check-up. Atherton and 20 other former captains, including Sunil Gavaskar, sent a letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif requesting proper medical care for Imran, who is believed to have lost significant vision since his imprisonment. The interview has added a layer of political tension to the Test match, with the PCB’s response reflecting the sensitivity surrounding the issue.
