PCB protests after Imran Khan sons’ interview shown during Lord’s Test

LONDON: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged a formal protest after an interview with former Pakistan captain Imran Khan’s sons was broadcast during the lunch interval on the opening day of the first Test between Pakistan and England at Lord’s.

The interview, conducted by former England captain and Sky Sports broadcaster Mike Atherton, featured Imran Khan’s sons, Sulaiman Khan and Qasim Khan. During the conversation, the two reportedly spoke about concerns over their father’s health.

The broadcast prompted an immediate reaction from the PCB, which expressed its displeasure over the decision to air the interview during an international Test match involving Pakistan.

According to reports in the international media, the PCB formally complained to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) over the Sky Sports broadcast.

The incident created an unusual off-field controversy on a day when attention at the historic Lord’s ground was otherwise focused on the opening Test of the series.

Reports suggested that the PCB even considered taking the serious step of keeping the Pakistan team off the field after the lunch interval in protest against the broadcast. However, the team eventually continued with the match.

The interview reportedly focused on the former prime minister and Pakistan captain’s current health, with his sons expressing concern about his condition. The decision to feature the conversation during the live coverage of the Test therefore became a sensitive issue for the Pakistan board.

The controversy comes against the backdrop of Imran Khan’s enduring popularity in Pakistan, where he remains one of the country’s most prominent sporting and political figures. His sons’ public comments about his health have also attracted significant attention.

On the field, the first day of the Lord’s Test was eventually brought to an early end because of poor light. England finished the day at 248 for nine, leaving Pakistan with an opportunity to wrap up the innings early on the second morning.

The PCB’s formal complaint has now placed the focus on the relationship between cricket authorities and broadcasters, particularly over the content aired during official international matches.

The England and Wales Cricket Board and Sky Sports are expected to respond to the PCB’s concerns as discussions over the incident continue.