Imran Khan’s Sons’ Interview Airs at Lord’s Despite PCB Objections

Sky Sports aired an interview with former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s two sons, Sulaiman Khan and Qasim Khan, during the Lord’s Test of the England-Pakistan Test series. In the interview, they expressed concerns about their imprisoned father’s health and safety. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has objected to the broadcast.

According to reports by ESPNcricinfo and The Guardian, the PCB lodged a formal complaint with match broadcaster Sky Sports. The nearly 18-minute interview, conducted by former England captain and commentator Michael Atherton, was aired during the lunch break on the first day of the second Test.

During the interview, Mr. Sulaiman and Mr. Qasim expressed concerns about their father’s current health, his safety in prison and his need for proper medical treatment. Imran Khan has been imprisoned at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since August 2023.

Amid concerns over Imran Khan’s health, 21 former international cricket captains recently called on the Pakistani government to ensure that he receives proper medical care. Michael Atherton was among them. Atherton had also previously expressed public concern over Mr. Imran’s medical treatment and conditions in prison.

According to a report by Cricinfo, the PCB had pressured Sky Sports before the match not to air the interview. The report also said Pakistani players had threatened not to return to the field after lunch if the interview was broadcast. However, the PCB has not issued a detailed official statement regarding the claim.

Although the broadcast of the interview was delayed somewhat, Sky Sports eventually aired it. The Pakistan team returned to the field on schedule after the lunch break, and the match continued normally.

In Pakistan, however, the portion featuring Mr. Imran’s two sons was not shown on state broadcaster PTV, which was televising the match. International media reports said the segment was omitted from the local broadcast.

Imran Khan captained Pakistan to its first-ever ODI World Cup victory in 1992. He later served as the country’s prime minister. His prolonged imprisonment has remained a subject of discussion both in Pakistani politics and internationally.

The controversy surrounding the broadcast of the interview at the Lord’s Test has once again brought attention to the intersection of Pakistan’s cricket and political affairs.

Source: The Guardian