In a series of surprising events, a fresh controversy has emerged during Pakistan's ongoing tour of England after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed strong displeasure over Sky Sports broadcasting an interview featuring the sons of the former Pakistan skipper Imran Khan. The segment appeared during the lunch break on the first day of the ongoing second Test at Lord's, with reports saying that the PCB's anger over the broadcast was severe enough for the board to contemplate the possibility of pulling out of the tour.
Sarfaraz Ahmed's response on Imran Khan interview
Notably, Imran Khan has remained behind bars in Pakistan for almost three years, with his sons raising serious concerns about his well-being. They have also made serious allegations against the authorities, saying that the trials are being made to end their father's life.
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Former England captain Michael Atherton conducted the interview, which was eventually broadcast after delay. Despite the controversy surrounding the interview, Pakistan's players entered the ground as scheduled and the Test continued without any interference.
On the other hand, Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed distanced himself from the matter, saying that he had no knowledge of what had unfolded and was entirely focused on the action at Lord's.
“I don’t know anything. I’m just focusing on the match. You’re talking about the interview? We don’t know about the interview," said Sarfaraz after the end of day's play.
The PCB, headed by Pakistan's interior minister Mohsin Naqvi, reportedly raised the matter directly with Sky Sports by filing an official complaint over the interview. The board is also said to have warned that the Pakistan team could refuse to resume play if the broadcaster went ahead with airing the segment.