Lord’s Test PCB threat exposed? Sarfaraz Ahmed breaks silence amid fresh controversy

Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed (AP photo) Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said he and his players were completely unaware that the Pakistan Cricket Board would pull out of the Lord’s Test after Sky Sports aired an interview with Imran Khan’s sons.The controversy arose during the lunch break on the first day of the second Test between England and Pakistan, with reports claiming that the PCB had warned the England and Wales Cricket Board that Pakistan could walk out of the match and possibly withdraw from the rest of the three-Test tour if the interview was broadcast.However, after lunch, the Pakistani players returned to the field and the Test continued as planned.When asked about the incident after the end of play on Day 2, Sarfaraz said that the reported development did not reach the dressing room and insisted that his focus remained on the match.“I don’t know anything. I am just concentrating on the match. Are you talking about an interview? We don’t know about an interview,” Sarfaraz told reporters.Then the Pakistan coach was asked if there was any possibility of the players refusing to return for the second match on the opening day.“Everything is fine. We were at lunch at the time,” he replied.

Interview involving Imran Khan’s sons

The interview in question featured Suleiman and Kasim Khan, sons of former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan, and was hosted by former England captain and Sky Sports broadcaster Michael Atherton.During the interview, the two brothers spoke about the treatment and security of their father while he remains in custody. They also questioned the British government’s response to his situation.A version of the interview was eventually aired, despite reported concerns raised by the PCB.But viewers in Pakistan did not see the interview. The Test is broadcast by state broadcaster PTV using the international channel Sky, but PTV did not air the part involving Imran Khan’s sons.

Political background

The episode unfolded against a politically sensitive backdrop, with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi also serving as Pakistan’s interior minister.Imran Khan, 73, remains one of the most prominent figures in Pakistan’s cricketing and political history. He spent 21 years as an international cricketer and led Pakistan to its first World Cup triumph in 1992.He later entered politics and served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan from 2018 to 2022. Khan has been in prison since 2023 after being convicted in corruption-related cases, denying the charges.Despite the reported threat surrounding the Sky Sports interview, Pakistan’s participation in the Lord’s Test was not disrupted.England ended the second day in a strong position, moving 261 runs ahead after reaching 81 for 3 in their second innings.