PCB lodges complaint over Sky Sports interview with Imran Khan's sons
According to reports in the British media, the PCB raised concerns with the ECB after the interview was aired. The development has added an unexpected controversy to the ongoing Test series between Pakistan and England.
Imran Khan’s sons speak to Sky Sports
The interview was conducted by former England captain and Sky Sports broadcaster Mike Atherton. During the interview, Sulaiman Khan and Qasim Khan spoke about their father and expressed concerns about his health.
The interview was aired while the Pakistan-England Test was taking place at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Its timing during the lunch break drew attention from the PCB, which subsequently raised the matter with the ECB.
PCB reportedly considers protest
Reports suggest that the PCB considered taking a strong step in response to the broadcast. According to the reports, the board considered the possibility of not sending the Pakistan team back onto the field after the lunch break as a form of protest.
The situation was eventually resolved, and the Pakistani players returned to the field after a brief delay. The reported consideration of such a move highlighted the seriousness with which the PCB viewed the issue.
Complaint raised with England cricket board
The PCB is reported to have formally complained to the ECB following the broadcast. The English board is understood to have been contacted over the Sky Sports interview and its timing during the Test match.
However, the PCB has not publicly issued a detailed statement explaining its position. The matter therefore remains based on reports of the complaint and the events surrounding the broadcast.
Interview adds controversy to Lord’s Test
The controversy comes during a high-profile Test series between Pakistan and England. Lord’s is one of the world’s most recognised cricket grounds, and Test matches there attract significant attention from broadcasters and fans.
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The interview involving Imran Khan’s sons therefore became a talking point alongside the action on the field. The incident also highlights the different interests involved when broadcasters cover major sporting events.
Mike Atherton conducts interview
Atherton, a former England captain, is now a prominent cricket broadcaster and commentator with Sky Sports. He spoke with Sulaiman and Qasim Khan during the lunch interval.
The discussion focused on their father’s situation and health concerns. The interview was subsequently aired as part of Sky Sports’ coverage of the Test.
PCB yet to issue public statement
Despite reports of the complaint, the PCB has not released a public statement on the matter. This means details about the board’s specific concerns and its communication with the ECB have not been officially explained.
Further clarification from either cricket board could provide more information about what prompted the complaint. Until then, the reported details remain the basis for understanding the dispute.
Why the incident has drawn attention
The timing of the interview is a key reason the incident has attracted attention. It was broadcast during the lunch break of a live international Test involving Pakistan.
The involvement of Imran Khan’s sons also added wider public interest because of their father’s status as one of Pakistan’s most prominent former cricketers and captains. The situation has consequently received attention beyond the cricket action at Lord’s.
Pakistan and England Test series
The incident takes place against the backdrop of Pakistan’s Test series against England. The two teams are competing in a series that has attracted strong interest among cricket supporters in both countries.
The PCB and ECB are responsible for maintaining coordination around the series, while broadcasters manage television coverage and interviews. Any disagreement between the parties could therefore require communication between the cricket boards and the broadcaster involved.
