PCB threatens to boycott Lord's Test over broadcast of interview with Imran Khan's sons

Pakistan Cricket Board raised a formal objection with Sky Sports after the broadcaster aired an interview with Suleiman and Kasim Khan, the sons of former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan, during the lunch interval of the first day at Lord's. The programme, presented by former England captain Mike Atherton, focused on concerns over Imran Khan's health and the possibility that his life could be at risk after being imprisoned for three years.

As per Cricinfo, the PCB had contacted Sky before the scheduled lunch break and objected to the planned broadcast. The board also considered a protest in which Pakistan's players



would refuse to return to the field for the second session if the interview was shown.

Sky initially postponed the segment following discussions with the PCB. The 18-minute interview was later broadcast, however, and Pakistan's players were already preparing to resume play by the time it ended. They returned to the field at 2.40 pm local time. 

Meanwhile, Atherton recorded the interview with Suleiman and Kasim on Wednesday morning inside the Writers' Room at Lord's. Sky had also promoted the conversation in advance of the Test. PTV, which holds the broadcasting rights in Pakistan, did not air the interview.