PCB Threatens Test Match over Controversial Interview with Imran Khan’s Sons
Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed that he and his players were unaware of any threats from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) directed at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) concerning a Sky interview featuring the sons of former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan.
During the lunch break on the first day of the second Test match, Sky Sports aired an interview with Suleiman and Kasim Khan, who discussed their father’s situation following his imprisonment over corruption charges, which he denies. The PCB reportedly hinted at the possibility of canceling the Test at Lord’s, as well as the remainder of the three-match tour if the interview was broadcasted.
Despite the airing of the interview, play resumed without interruption, with the players taking to the field after the lunch break. Sarfaraz commented on the situation, saying, “I don’t know anything. I’m just focusing on the match,” and added, “You’re talking about the interview? We don’t know about the interview.” When asked about the potential for his players to leave the field during the afternoon session on day one, he remarked, “All are OK. We were having lunch at that time.”
Imran Khan, now 73, enjoyed a successful 21-year international career and is remembered for leading Pakistan to World Cup victory in 1992. Following his tenure as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, he has been imprisoned since 2023.
The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, also holds the position of Pakistan’s interior minister. In the interview conducted by former England captain Michael Atherton, Suleiman and Kasim expressed their concerns regarding their father’s treatment and security, while also criticizing the UK’s response to the situation.
Before the interview aired, Sky Sports received complaints regarding its planned broadcast. In light of the unrest surrounding the matter, the ECB sought guidance from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.
In Pakistan, the Test match is being broadcast by the public channel PTV, which opted not to air the interview despite using Sky’s footage.
The game continued after lunch, with England leading by 261 runs at 81-3 in their second innings by the end of day two. Notably, Sky Sports reported no further complaints regarding the interview on the Friday of the match.
Looking ahead, England is scheduled to tour Pakistan in October for a one-day tri-series alongside the home side and Sri Lanka. This tour marks England’s fourth visit to Pakistan in just four years, following a significant 17-year hiatus due to security concerns.
In a historical context, a Test match between England and Pakistan at The Oval in 2006 was abandoned when Pakistan was accused of ball tampering, leading to the only forfeiture in Test match history when the team refused to continue after tea on the fourth day.
Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said he and his players did not know about a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) threat to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) over a Sky interview with the sons of Imran Khan.
During lunch on day one of the second Test, Sky Sports aired an interview with Suleiman and Kasim Khan, the sons of former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran, who has been in prison for the past three years.
Advertisement
It is understood the PCB raised the prospect of cancelling the Test at Lord’s and the remainder of the three-match tour if the interview aired.
A version of the interview was broadcast, and the players returned to the field after the interval to continue the match.
“I don’t know anything. I’m just focusing on the match,” said Sarfaraz at the end of the second day’s play.
“You’re talking about the interview? We don’t know about the interview.”
Asked if there was ever a possibility his players would return for the afternoon session on day one, the former Pakistan wicketkeeper said: “All are OK. We were having lunch at that time.”
Advertisement
Legendary all-rounder Imran Khan, 73, had a 21-year international career for Pakistan and famously led his team to World Cup glory in 1992.
He served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 to 2022. Since 2023, Khan has been in jail on corruption charges which he denies.
The PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister.
In the interview conducted by former England captain Michael Atherton, Suleiman and Kasim expressed concerns over the treatment and security given to their father, as well as criticising the UK government’s response.
Before it aired, Sky received a complaint about the plan to broadcast the interview.
Advertisement
In response to the tension around the situation, the ECB took government advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
In Pakistan, the match is being aired by the public broadcaster PTV, using Sky’s pictures. PTV did not air the interview.
Ultimately, the tourists resumed play after lunch and the Test has continued to the end of the second day, with England 261 runs ahead at 81-3 in their second innings.
It is understood Sky received no further complaints on Friday in relation to the interview.
In October, England will tour Pakistan for a one-day tri-series against the home side and Sri Lanka.
Advertisement
It will be England’s fourth separate tour of Pakistan in the past four years following a 17-year gap between visits to the country because of security concerns.
In 2006, a Test between England and Pakistan at The Oval was abandoned after the visitors were accused of ball tampering.
Pakistan were adjudged to have forfeited the match after refusing to play after tea on the fourth day, the only instance in Test history when a team has forfeited a Test.
[/gpt3]