Controversy arose during the second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord’s when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly objected to a Sky Sports interview with Suleiman and Kasim Khan, sons of former Pakistan captain Imran Khan.
The interview, conducted by Michael Atherton, focused on the health and prison conditions of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister and World Cup-winning captain. Imran Khan has been in prison since 2023, facing corruption charges. The interview was recorded before the Test began but wasn’t shown on PTV, Pakistan’s official broadcaster.
The PCB took issue with broadcasting a politically sensitive interview during an international match involving Pakistan. They contacted Sky Sports and warned that players might refuse to play if the interview aired. Sky initially held back the segment but later broadcast it during lunch. However, Pakistan’s players returned for the second session, and the Test continued.
Support for Khan grew as 21 former international captains, including Sunil Gavaskar and Michael Atherton, urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure Khan receives humane treatment and medical care.
In the match, Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first. Their bowlers, led by Mohammad Abbas, restricted England to 248/9. The Test was part of a series that includes a final match in Birmingham on September 9. Both teams are ranked low in the WTC standings, with England seventh and Pakistan ninth.
The controversy overshadowed the cricket action but ultimately did not disrupt the game.