PCB complains to Sky Sports over interview with Imran Khan’s sons at Lord’s

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) considered keeping its players off the field after the lunch break on the opening day of the second Test against England at Lord’s after host broadcaster Sky Sports aired an interview with jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sons.The PCB eventually decided against such a protest and instead lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports, according to sources aware of the development. The board refused to comment when contacted.18-minute interview sparks rowFormer England captain Mike Atherton conducted the 18-minute interview with Imran’s sons, Kassim and Suleman. They expressed concerns about the well-being of their 73-year-old father.Imran is one of Pakistan’s most celebrated former cricket captains and led the country to its first and only ODI World Cup title in 1992. Given his stature in Pakistan cricket and his subsequent political career, an interview concerning his health during a major Test series was always likely to attract considerable attention, PTI reports.The PCB had objected to the broadcast of the interview, which was recorded on Wednesday. Sources said the board even considered keeping the Pakistan players off the field after lunch in protest if Sky went ahead with the telecast.Pakistan take field despite objectionPakistan eventually took the field as scheduled, avoiding an extraordinary disruption to the Test. England ended Thursday at 248 for nine.The PCB learnt about the interview after Sky aired a teaser for the segment ahead of the Test. It then contacted the broadcaster and asked it not to air the interview.The episode highlights the difficult overlap between sport and politics when a towering cricket figure such as Imran is at the centre of a politically sensitive issue. The PCB’s decision to lodge a complaint rather than keep the players off the field also ensured that its objection did not interfere with play.'Back Before Tea Got Cold': Babar Azam's Long Walk To Bat From Lord's Pavilion Ends Early; Fans React | VIDEOPTV skips interviewIn Pakistan, PTV, which is broadcasting the series, did not show the interview.Imran’s health has become a major talking point globally in recent weeks. He was recently taken to Shifa Hospital in Islamabad for a medical examination on the directions of Pakistan’s Supreme Court. He was taken back to prison after the check-up.Atherton and 20 other former captains, including Indian cricket great Sunil Gavaskar, sent a letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif a few days ago, asking him to ensure proper medical care for Imran.Imran is believed to have lost significant vision since his imprisonment, adding to concerns about his health.

Former England skipper Mike Atherton conducted the 18-minute interview with Imran's sons, Kassim and Suleman, in which the two expressed fears about the well-being of their 73-year-old father

The Pakistan Cricket Board has lodged a complaint with Sky Sports after the broadcaster ran an interview with the sons of former captain Imran Khan, in which they criticized authorities in Islamabad over the treatment of their father, various media reported.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly threatened to pull the Pakistan team off the field during the second Test against England at Lord’s after Sky Sports aired an interview with the sons of former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan. The interview, conducted by former England captain Mike Atherton, was recorded at Lord’s a day before the Test.Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, spoke about their father’s health during the interview, including concerns over his deteriorating eyesight. Sky Sports initially delayed the segment but eventually broadcast it during the lunch break on the opening day of the Test, prompting strong objections from the PCB. Michael Atherton's Interview With Imran Khan's Son Sparks Huge Controversy, Allegedly Exposing Pakistan During the England vs Pakistan Test During the England vs Pakistan lunch session on Sky Sports, commentator Michael Atherton interviewed Imran Khan's son. During the… pic.twitter.com/5DotXGL30O— Central Cricket (@arshdeep3444) August 28, 2026 According to reports, the PCB warned that Pakistan’s players could remain in the dressing room for the afternoon session if the interview was aired. The board later lodged a formal complaint with the relevant authorities, while the England and Wales Cricket Board was also informed about the issue. Pakistan, however, eventually returned to the field.The controversy comes amid ongoing concerns surrounding Imran Khan, who has remained imprisoned since August 2023 after being arrested in corruption-related cases. Khan has denied wrongdoing and has described the cases against him as politically motivated. His sons have repeatedly raised concerns about his health and treatment while in custody.Meanwhile, Pakistan produced a strong response on the field after their heavy defeat in the first Test at Headingley. Mohammad Abbas claimed four wickets and Mohammad Ali took three as England struggled to 248/9 before bad light stopped play. Jordan Cox and Jamie Smith scored half-centuries, but Pakistan’s bowlers kept the hosts under pressure throughout the opening day.

During the second Test at Lords, PCB reportedly asked Sky Sports not to air an interview with Imran Khan's sons, threatening a walkout, but the broadcast proceeded as scheduled.

The Pakistan Cricket Board objected to Sky Sports airing an interview with Imran Khan's sons. The interview focused on their father's health and safety concerns while imprisoned. Sky Sports initially delayed the broadcast before showing it during the lunch interval. Khan's sons discussed their father's medical condition and access to treatment. This controversy arose after a Supreme Court order regarding Khan's hospital admission.