Pakistan has lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports after the broadcaster aired an interview with the sons of jailed former prime minister and ex-cricketer Imran Khan during coverage of the first day of the second Test between Pakistan and England at Lord’s.
Pakistan threatened Lord’s Test boycott after broadcaster Sky Sports telecast interview with Imran Khan’s two sons which was actually recorded at the Lord’s Long Room a day before the Test. PCB wanted SKY not to air the interview during Lunch break else they wouldn’t take the… pic.twitter.com/Z6CGuC6I75
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) August 27, 2026
The interview, conducted by Sky Sports commentator Michael Atherton with Khan’s sons Kasim and Sulaiman, focused on concerns over their father’s treatment in prison. The broadcast reportedly angered Pakistani officials to such an extent that the touring team briefly threatened not to return to the field after lunch.
Imran Khan’s sons have accused the Pakistani government of “blatantly trying to kill” the jailed former prime minister and cricket captain.
Khan, 73, has been in jail in Pakistan for the past three years because of a string of allegations that followed his ousting as prime… pic.twitter.com/4z8VHTmrvp
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) August 27, 2026
PCB objects to interview during Test coverage
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed its displeasure over Sky Sports giving airtime to Khan’s sons while covering the Test match. The broadcaster is a long-standing rights partner of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
According to reports, PCB officials had sought to prevent the interview from being broadcast. Sky Sports, however, declined to withdraw it and proceeded with the segment during the rain-delayed lunch break on the opening day.
“This is a humanitarian appeal… increasing concerns about health and well being of Imran Khan… one of the greatest players… increasing sense of urgency around his health…”
– Former England Cricket Captain @Athersmike, speaking at Lord’s Cricket Ground, raises concern for… pic.twitter.com/DM5vsq4CNU
— PTI (@PTIofficial) August 28, 2026
The dispute subsequently escalated, with Pakistani officials reportedly warning that the players could refuse to return to the field for the afternoon session.
The ECB became involved in tense discussions with the Pakistan delegation and eventually persuaded the team to resume play. The afternoon and evening sessions were subsequently held as scheduled, although bad light brought the day’s action to an early close shortly before 6pm.
Imran Khan’s sons raise concerns over father’s treatment
During the interview, Kasim Khan spoke about his father’s prolonged imprisonment and alleged that authorities were attempting to silence him.
“It is not very clear what they are doing, just blatantly trying to kill him in there,” Kasim said. “Keep him in as long as possible and silence him.”
Khan’s sons have repeatedly raised concerns about his health and conditions in prison. Their latest comments came amid renewed international attention surrounding the former prime minister’s detention and medical condition.
The 73-year-old former Pakistan captain has been imprisoned since 2023 and has spent a prolonged period in solitary confinement. His family and lawyers have repeatedly raised concerns about his living conditions and access to medical treatment.
Khan was temporarily taken to hospital last week after Pakistan’s Supreme Court allowed him to receive medical treatment outside prison. He was subsequently returned to jail.
Pakistan raises issue beyond cricket authorities
The disagreement was not limited to the PCB and Sky Sports. Pakistan is understood to have raised the matter with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) as well.
The discussions reportedly continued between officials and members of the touring party, while the ECB sought assurances that Pakistan would continue participating in the Test.
The situation highlighted the difficult intersection of cricket and politics, particularly given the political position of PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
Naqvi, who heads Pakistan’s cricket governing body, also serves as the country’s interior minister and is closely associated with the government.
The PCB’s objection to the broadcast therefore comes against the backdrop of ongoing political tensions surrounding Khan, who remains a major opposition figure in Pakistan.
Former cricketers campaign for humane treatment
The former prime minister’s treatment in prison has also attracted criticism and concern from prominent figures in the international cricket community.
A group of 21 former cricketers, including Michael Atherton, have previously campaigned for Khan to receive humane treatment. Former players have also signed joint letters calling for proper medical care for the former Pakistan captain.
Khan enjoyed a celebrated cricket career before entering politics. He captained Pakistan to its only Cricket World Cup triumph in 1992 and later founded the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, becoming prime minister in 2018.
His political career has since been followed by a series of legal cases and his imprisonment.
His supporters maintain that the cases against him are politically motivated, while Pakistani authorities have rejected such allegations.
Pakistan expected to continue Test
Despite the confrontation over the Sky Sports interview, Pakistan eventually returned to the field for the remainder of the opening day.
The ECB received assurances that the team would take part in the second day of the Test, easing immediate concerns that the dispute could disrupt the match.
However, Pakistan remained dissatisfied with the broadcaster’s decision to air the interview.
The incident has added a political dimension to an already closely watched Test series, with attention now focused not only on events on the field but also on the continuing controversy surrounding Imran Khan’s imprisonment and treatment.
The dispute also underscores the sensitivity surrounding Khan’s case, particularly when his treatment is discussed internationally and during major sporting events involving Pakistan.
With the Test continuing at Lord’s, officials from both countries are expected to remain engaged in discussions in an effort to prevent the dispute from affecting the remainder of the series.
