Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed stated he and his team were unaware of a reported threat by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to withdraw from the Lord’s Test against England following a Sky Sports interview with the sons of Imran Khan. The incident occurred during the lunch break on the first day of the second Test, with reports alleging the PCB warned the England and Wales Cricket Board of potential abandonment if the interview aired. Pakistan continued playing after lunch.
Sarfaraz Ahmed, speaking after the end of Day 2, said the reported developments had not reached the dressing room. “I don't know anything. I'm just focusing on the match. You're talking about the interview? We don't know about the interview,” he told reporters. When asked if the players considered refusing to return for the second session, Sarfaraz replied, “All are OK. We were having lunch at that time.”
The interview featured Suleiman and Kasim Khan, the sons of former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan, conducted by Michael Atherton. The brothers discussed their father’s treatment and security while in custody, and questioned the UK government’s response. While a version of the interview was broadcast, it was not shown to viewers in Pakistan, as state broadcaster PTV did not air the segment using Sky’s international feed.
The episode unfolded with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi also serving as Pakistan's interior minister. Imran Khan, 73, a former international cricketer and prime minister from 2018 to 2022, has been imprisoned since 2023 on corruption-related charges he denies. Despite the reported threat, Pakistan completed play on Day 2, ending the day 261 runs behind England at 81 for 3 in their second innings.
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