PCB threatens player protest after Atherton’s chat with Imran Khan’s sons at Lord’s

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly raised an objection with Sky Sports after former England captain Michael Atherton interviewed Imran Khan’s two sons during the lunch break on the opening day of the Test at Lord’s.According to Cricinfo, the PCB complained to the broadcaster over the decision to air an 18-minute interview with Suleiman Khan and Kasim Khan that focused on their father’s health and concerns about his safety in prison.The episode sparked an unusual off-field controversy surrounding the Test, with the PCB reportedly even considering whether Pakistan’s players should remain off the field when play was to resume in the second session.

The PCB has warned of a possible protest by the players

Atherton interviewed Suleiman and Kasim at Lord’s on Wednesday, a day before the start of the Test. Sky Sports also used a preview of the interview in their pre-match coverage.According to Cricinfo, the PCB contacted Sky Sports before lunch on Thursday and objected to the planned broadcast. Management reportedly warned that Pakistan players could refuse to return to the field if the interview was broadcast.Sky Sports initially withheld the segment before eventually showing it during the lunch break.The interview was not broadcast in Pakistan as the television rights to the series are owned by the state broadcaster PTV.

Imran’s sons talk about his health

During the interview with Atherton, Suleiman and Kasim discussed their concerns about their father’s condition and safety while he remains in prison.The brothers also spoke of their efforts to ensure that Imran received proper medical care.The former Pakistan captain and 1992 World Cup-winning captain has been jailed for around three years, with his health and access to medical care becoming increasingly important concerns for his family.His sons have stepped up their public calls for better access to medical care in recent weeks.

The Supreme Court’s order raises concerns

The latest controversy comes after Pakistan’s Supreme Court last week ordered that Imran be admitted to Islamabad’s Shifa Hospital.However, instead of being taken to the hospital specified in the directive, Imran was taken to the government-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a medical examination before being returned to prison.His sisters and sons claimed that the authorities did not follow the court’s order. They also continue to demand that Imran be examined by his own doctor.The development prompted former international cricketers to publicly demand better medical care for the former Pakistan captain.

Atherton among former captains backing Imran

Last week, 21 former international captains, including Atherton, signed a letter to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urging the authorities to ensure Imran received proper medical care in custody.The signatories included former captains from India, Australia, England, New Zealand and the West Indies.Another appeal followed in February, when 14 former international captains wrote to the Pakistan government on the matter. Reports said the letter did not receive a response.The PCB has not commented publicly on the reported complaint to Sky Sports.The Pakistani government has previously denied allegations that Imran was mistreated in prison or denied access to his family and lawyers.In an interview with the Associated Press last week, the government said Imran had received more than 900 visits from relatives, lawyers and doctors since his imprisonment in August 2023.