PCB Threatens Walk-Off After Sky Sports Airs Explosive Interview With Imran Khan’s Sons During Lord’s Test
Cricket and politics collided at Lord’s on Thursday in one of the most dramatic off-field controversies in recent Test history. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) threatened to pull its players off the field after Sky Sports broadcast a hard-hitting interview with the sons of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan — right in the middle of the England vs Pakistan second Test.
What Happened at Lord’s?
The PCB made a formal complaint to Sky Sports after the broadcaster aired an interview with the sons of former prime minister and captain Imran Khan during the lunch interval on the first day at Lord’s. ESPNcricinfo
The interview, conducted by former England captain and Sky Sports commentator Mike Atherton, featured Imran’s sons Sulaiman and Kasim Khan. Kasim and Sulaiman Khan, the former prime minister’s children from his marriage to Jemima Goldsmith, accused Pakistani authorities of “trying to kill” their imprisoned father in the pre-recorded segment. GB News
The PCB contacted Sky ahead of the lunch break to protest the segment, threatening that their players would not return to the field after lunch if it aired. During those conversations, Sky delayed the interview, before eventually running the 18-minute clip. ESPNcricinfo
Ultimately, Pakistan did take the field as scheduled — but the fury behind the scenes was anything but normal.
The Interview That Sparked a Crisis
Atherton conducted the interview with Imran’s sons on Wednesday morning in the Writers’ Room at Lord’s, with Sky running a teaser in the build-up to the Test. In Pakistan, PTV — which is broadcasting the series — did not broadcast the interview. ESPNcricinfo
Imran’s sons expressed concerns about the health of their father, who has been in prison for three years, and said they feared for his life. ESPNcricinfo
Imran’s health has been the focus of growing scrutiny over the past few weeks. Last week, Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered him to be admitted to Shifa Hospital in the capital Islamabad. Instead, he was taken to the state-run PIMS and returned to prison shortly after a check-up. Imran’s sisters and sons have alleged this was a violation of the court order and have demanded he be allowed to see his personal doctor. ESPNcricinfo
His condition deteriorated in January 2026, and reports emerged that Khan had only 15 per cent of vision in his right eye. Cricket News
PCB’s Furious Response
The PCB did not like that the official broadcaster of the Test series aired an interview heavily critical of the existing Pakistan government, and they lodged a formal complaint with the company. Sky, although they acknowledged the complaint, did not issue a formal response. Cricket News
Notably, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, placing him at the heart of both the cricketing and political dimensions of the row. This dual role made the PCB’s reaction more than just a broadcaster dispute — it was effectively a state-level objection. GB News
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has also been made aware of the PCB’s grievances with the interview, although the ECB too are yet to comment. Cricket News
Pakistan Government Denies Mistreatment
The Pakistan government has pushed back firmly against the claims made in the interview. The Pakistan government rejected allegations that Khan had been mistreated in prison or denied contact with his family and lawyers, saying in a statement to Associated Press that he had received more than 900 visits from his family, lawyers and doctors since his imprisonment in August 2023. ESPNcricinfo
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office offered a measured response, stating that Pakistan’s judicial processes “are a domestic matter in which the UK does not interfere,” while noting that ministers have “regularly raised” the importance of upholding human rights obligations with their Pakistani counterparts. GB News
Former Captains Had Already Weighed In
This controversy did not come out of nowhere. Last week, 21 former captains, including Atherton, wrote a letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging him to ensure Imran received proper medical care. Atherton’s interview with Imran’s sons was, in many ways, a follow-up to that public push for accountability. ESPNcricinfo
Why This Matters Beyond Cricket
This incident is significant on multiple levels. A cricket board threatening to abandon a live international Test match over a media broadcast is almost without precedent. It shows how deeply the Imran Khan situation has seeped into every corner of Pakistani public life — including sport.
The PCB is supposed to be an independent sports body. But when its chairman is also the country’s Interior Minister, the line between cricket administration and political control becomes very thin. Sky Sports, for its part, stood by its editorial decision and aired the interview despite the pressure.
For cricket fans around the world, it was a reminder that the game — especially in Pakistan — has never truly been separate from politics.
FAQs
Why did Pakistan threaten to walk off at Lord’s?
The PCB threatened to pull its players off the field after Sky Sports broadcast an 18-minute interview with Imran Khan’s sons during the lunch break of the second Test at Lord’s.
Who interviewed Imran Khan’s sons?
Former England captain and Sky Sports broadcaster Mike Atherton conducted the interview with Sulaiman and Kasim Khan.
What did Imran Khan’s sons say in the interview?
They said they feared for their father’s life and accused Pakistani authorities of trying to kill him. They also raised concerns about his deteriorating health and alleged violations of a Supreme Court medical transfer order.
Did Pakistan actually walk off the field?
No. Despite the threat, Pakistan returned to the field after the lunch break and play continued as normal.
Who is the PCB chairman?
Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister — a dual role that added a strong political dimension to the PCB’s complaint against Sky Sports.
Interview
Sky Sports Interview with Imran Khan’s Sons:
— Barrister Faiza Iqbal (@BarristerFaiza) August 27, 2026
Sky Sports will broadcast a special interview with Imran Khan’s sons during the lunch break of the first day of Lord’s test match between Pakistan and England, featuring a conversation with Michael Atherton. The discussion will also… pic.twitter.com/A4j0p0AXg9
