Industry Odisha Bureau, Aug 29: Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said he and his players were unaware of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s reported threat to pull the team out of the Lord’s Test against England over a Sky Sports interview with Imran Khan’s sons.
The controversy emerged during the lunch break on the first day of the second Test. Sky Sports aired an interview with Suleiman and Kasim Khan, sons of former Pakistan captain and ex-prime minister Imran Khan. Reports said the PCB had warned the England and Wales Cricket Board that it could consider cancelling the Test and the rest of Pakistan’s England tour if the interview was broadcasted.
Sarfaraz said the episode did not affect the players or their preparations. “I don’t know anything. I’m just focusing on the match,” he told reporters after Day 2. Asked whether there was any chance of Pakistan refusing to return after lunch, he said the players were simply having lunch at the time.
Pakistan’s state broadcaster PTV, which uses Sky’s international feed, did not air the interview.
The interview, conducted by former England captain Michael Atheron, focused on Imran Khan’s treatment and security while in prison. His sons also questioned the UK government’s response to his situation.
Imran Khan, 73, has been in prison since 2023 after being convicted in corruption cases, charges he has denied. He previously served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022. He also led the country to its first World Cup title in 1992.
The Test continued without disruption, with England ending Day 2 on 81/3, holding a 261-run lead.
