Babar Azam denies Pakistan considered Lord’s Test boycott for Imran Khan interview

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has denied reports that the team was considering refusing to return to the field after lunch on the first day of the Lord’s Test amid the controversy surrounding a Sky Sports interview with Imran Khan’s sons. Babar said he was not aware of any such discussion when asked about the news after Pakistan’s defeat.

England beat Pakistan by 194 runs at Lord’s on Sunday took an elusive 2-0 lead in the three-game series. After the match, Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam was asked if there was talk in the Pakistan camp that he would not take the field after the lunch break on the opening day.

ENGLAND VS PAKISTAN 2ND TEST DAY 4 HIGHLIGHTS

“No, no. I didn’t hear that,” said Babar.

When asked if he was aware of any discussions surrounding the matter, Babar again indicated that he was unaware of them.

“No, I haven’t heard anything about that,” said Babar.

His comments come after reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board had threatened not to send the team back to the field if Sky Sports aired an interview with Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, the sons of former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan. The interview, conducted by former England captain Michael Atherton, was eventually broadcast during the lunch break, with Pakistan returning to the afternoon session as scheduled.

PAKISTAN STILL DENIES REPORTS OF BOYCOTT

The controversy arose during the lunch break on opening day, with Sky Sports broadcasting a pre-recorded interview. The PCB reportedly complained to the broadcaster in this segment which focused on concerns regarding Imran Khan’s treatment and health.

Babar’s comments are also in line with earlier remarks by Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, who said neither he nor the players were aware of the reported threat and remained focused on the match.

Despite the off-field row, Pakistan bounced back after lunch and the Test continued without interruption. England eventually secured a comprehensive victory, leaving Pakistan 2-0 up in the series with one match remaining.

ENGLISH SEAL AT LORD’S SERIES

Pakistan’s latest defeat followed another tough batting display. Chasing 389, they were bowled out for 194, with Saud Shakeel providing the main resistance, before falling to 97.

Shakeel and Shan Masood added 97 after Pakistan slumped to 14-3, frustrating England for nearly four hours. Ollie Robinson eventually broke the partnership and finished with four wickets in the innings and eight in the match.

England needed just 18 wickets to win after Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq was unable to bat again following a calf injury sustained on the first day.

The result gave England their first Test series win since December 2024 and put them 2-0 up, with the third and final Test still to come. Pakistan will now travel to Birmingham for the series finale at Edgbaston starting on September 9.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

Aug 31, 2026 06:51 IST