Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has stated that neither he nor the players were aware of a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) threat to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) concerning a Sky interview with the sons of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The PCB chairman, who also serves as Pakistan's interior minister, was reportedly involved in discussions surrounding the situation.
Sons of Imran Khan had expressed concerns over the treatment and security afforded to their father, in addition to criticizing the British government's response. Prior to the broadcast of the interview, Sky received a complaint regarding the planned airing. In response to the developing tension, the ECB sought government advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
In Pakistan, the match was broadcast by the public broadcaster PTV, utilizing Sky's broadcast feed, but PTV did not air the controversial interview. The Pakistan tourists ultimately resumed play after lunch on the second day of the Test match, which has continued as scheduled. England held a lead of 261 runs at 81-3 in their second innings.
Sky did not receive further complaints related to the interview on Friday. This incident occurred as England prepares for a one-day tri-series in Pakistan in October, alongside Sri Lanka. This upcoming tour will mark England's fourth visit to Pakistan in the last four years, following a significant 17-year hiatus between tours due to security concerns. Historically, a Test match between England and Pakistan in 2006 was abandoned when the visiting team was accused of ball-tampering, leading to Pakistan forfeiting the match after refusing to play on the fourth day—a unique occurrence in Test history.