Babar Azam confronted Pakistan Lord’s alleged protest after talking to Imran Khan

Pakistan captain Babar Azam (AP Photo) Babar Azam has denied reports that Pakistan were considering refusing to return to the field after lunch on the opening day of the Lord’s Test against England, amid controversy over a Sky Sports interview with the sons of former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan.After Pakistan’s 194-run defeat at Lord’s on Sunday, Babar said he was not aware of any discussion within the team about him staying off the field after the lunch break.“No, no, no. I didn’t hear that,” Babar told BBC Test Match Special.Asked again if he was aware of such talks, the Pakistan captain simply replied, “No.”

Babar denies reports of protests in Pakistan

Reports claimed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was considering the possibility of the team not returning for the afternoon session if Sky Sports went ahead with a planned interview with Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, Imran Khan’s sons.The interview, given by former England captain Michael Atherton, eventually continued during the lunch break on the first day.The 18-minute program focused on concerns raised by Imran Khan’s sons about their father’s treatment, health and circumstances while he remains in prison.Also Read: Imran Khan’s Journey From World Cup Hero To Pakistan Prime Minister And Prisoner – Full StoryDespite reported tension over the broadcast, Pakistan returned to the field as planned and the Test was not interrupted.Babar’s comments are also in line with those made earlier by Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, who said neither he nor the players were aware of any reported threat to stop the match from continuing.

The PCB is said to be issuing a warning to the players

The controversy surrounding the interview came amid reports that the PCB, led by Mohsin Naqvi, had instructed Pakistani players not to make political comments during the UK tour.The reported directive followed the controversy surrounding Imran Khan and a planned Sky Sports interview with his sons.However, the off-field dispute had no bearing on the final outcome of the Lord’s Test.

England series of seals at Lord’s

England completed a convincing 194-run victory to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series.Pakistan were set for 389 to win but were bowled out for 194, with Saud Shakeel finishing on 97, just three runs short of a century.Pakistan were also without opener Imam-ul-Haq, who was unable to bat again after suffering a calf injury while starting on the opening day.The win ended England’s wait for a Test series win, with their previous series triumph coming in December 2024.The teams will now head to Birmingham for the third and final Test at Edgbaston starting on September 9.