The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed dissatisfaction with Sky Sports for broadcasting an interview with the sons of imprisoned former Prime Minister and cricket captain Imran Khan, according to reports.
The issue arose on the first day of the second Test, with Cricinfo reporting that the PCB considered delaying the resumption of play after the lunch break. During this interval, Sky broadcast an interview conducted by Mike Atherton with Suleiman and Kasim Khan, who voiced concerns for their father's well-being after he has spent three years in jail on corruption charges.
Sky Sports reportedly delayed the broadcast of the 18-minute interview, and the Pakistan team ultimately took the field as scheduled. This situation recalled the 2006 Test at The Oval, where Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq kept his team off the field after allegations of ball-tampering, a match Pakistan eventually forfeited.
The PCB has been described as highly politicized and sensitive to criticism regarding government policy. The board has denied allegations of mistreating the 73-year-old Imran Khan, who served as Pakistan's prime minister for nearly four years until April 2022, or of obstructing visits from his family and lawyers.
This recent tension follows a letter sent to the current Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, signed by 21 former cricket captains from England, Australia, India, New Zealand, and the West Indies. The letter called for Imran Khan to receive adequate medical care while incarcerated.
Imran Khan, who remains a significant figure for many in Pakistan, captained the national cricket team in 48 Test matches between 1982 and 1992. He famously led Pakistan to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup, defeating England in the final.