PCB protests Sky Sports interview with Imran Khan’s sons

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports after the broadcaster aired an interview with the sons of former prime minister and Pakistan captain Imran Khan during the lunch interval on the opening day of the second Test at Lord’s, according to Cricinfo.

The interview, conducted by former England captain and Sky Sports broadcaster Mike Atherton, featured Imran’s sons, Suleiman and Kasim Khan, who spoke about their father’s health and expressed concerns over his wellbeing after nearly three years in prison.

The PCB is understood to have contacted Sky Sports before the lunch break to object to the interview. According to reports, the board considered asking Pakistan’s players not to return to the field for the second session if the interview was broadcast.

Sky subsequently delayed the segment following the PCB’s protest but eventually aired the full 18-minute interview. By the time the programme ended, Pakistan’s players were preparing to resume play at 2:40pm, and the team ultimately returned to the field as scheduled.

Atherton recorded the interview with Imran’s sons on Wednesday morning at the Writers’ Room at Lord’s. Sky Sports had also aired a short preview of the interview ahead of the Test. Pakistan’s state broadcaster, PTV, which is carrying the series domestically, did not broadcast the segment.

The dispute comes amid heightened attention over Imran Khan’s health in recent weeks, with his sons and sisters pressing for improved medical care for the former captain.

Last week, the Supreme Court directed that Imran be moved to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad. He was instead taken to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a medical examination before being returned to prison. His family has alleged that the decision not to transfer him to Shifa amounted to non-compliance with the court order and has also sought access to his personal doctor.

The issue has also drawn attention from former international cricket captains. Last week, 21 former captains, including Atherton, wrote to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urging the government to ensure that Imran receives adequate medical care while in prison. The signatories included former captains from India, Australia, England, the West Indies and New Zealand.

The letter followed an earlier appeal by 14 former captains in February, which they said had received no response from the Pakistani government.

Despite the dispute over the Sky Sports broadcast, Pakistan continued with the Test according to schedule and took the field for the second session.

The PCB has been approached for comment on the matter. The Pakistani government, meanwhile, has rejected allegations that Imran has been mistreated in prison or denied access to his family and lawyers.