The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports following an interview with former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, aired during the lunch break of the second Test match between England and Pakistan at Lord’s. The interview, conducted by former England captain Mike Atherton, focused on their father’s well-being and detention, with his sons claiming that authorities are "trying to kill him" and expressing concerns about his health, including significant vision loss in his right eye. Khan has been held in solitary confinement since August 2023, and his lawyers and family have repeatedly alleged a deterioration in his health in custody.
The PCB expressed strong objections to the broadcast of political themes during live match coverage. The tourists, led by Babar Azam, were reportedly so incensed that they threatened to refuse to return to the field after the lunch break. Although Sky Sports acknowledged receiving the complaint, they declined to comment on the matter, as did the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The interview was not aired by the Pakistani broadcaster of the Test series.
The controversy overshadowed the cricket match, despite Pakistan showing improved performance on the first day. This incident is not the first time the PCB has threatened a boycott, with a similar situation occurring during the 2025 Asia Cup. Twenty-one former cricket captains, including Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, have also appealed to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure Khan receives humane treatment and proper medical care, including an independent medical assessment and regular family visits.
Khan, 73, has been imprisoned since August 2023 following corruption charges and has been sentenced to 14 years in one case, though he denies wrongdoing and maintains the cases are politically motivated. While the Supreme Court ordered his transfer to Shifa International Hospital for examination, authorities challenged the decision, and he was briefly moved to a state-owned hospital before being returned to Adiala jail, contrary to the court's directives.
