Why did Pakistan threaten to boycott Lord's Test against England? Know the full controversy

In a series of unexpected events, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed an official complaint with Sky Sports over an interview featuring Suleiman and Kasim Khan, the sons of former Pakistan captain and ex-prime minister Imran Khan. The segment was broadcast during the lunch break on the first day of the Lord's Test and was conducted by former England skipper Mike Atherton. During the discussion, Imran's sons spoke about concerns regarding their father's health and raised fears over his safety after spending three years in prison.

What had actually happened?

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the PCB had approached Sky Sports ahead of the lunch break to voice its concerns over the proposed interview. The board reportedly even discussed taking a stronger stand, with Pakistan's players potentially staying off the field at the start of the second session if the segment went ahead as planned.

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After discussions with the PCB, Sky Sports initially decided to hold back the interview. However, the 18-minute segment was eventually aired later during the interval. By the time the broadcast concluded, Pakistan's players had begun getting ready for the second session and subsequently took the field at 2.40 pm local time.

The conversation featuring Atherton and Imran Khan's sons, Suleiman and Kasim, was recorded on Wednesday morning at Lord's, with the Writers' Room serving as the venue. Sky Sports had publicised the interview before the Test got underway, although viewers in Pakistan did not see the segment as rights-holder PTB chose not to broadcast it.

Big update on Imran Khan's health

The controversy has emerged at a time when questions continue to be raised over Imran Khan's health and the medical treatment available to him in custody. Last week, Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered that the former prime minister be shifted to Shifa Hospital in Islamabad. However, he was reportedly taken to the government-run PIMS for a medical exam before being sent back to prison.

Imran's family has since questioned the move, with his sister and sons saying that the concerned authorities failed to follow the Supreme Court's directive. They have also asked that his personal doctor be permitted to examine him.