The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly raised an objection with Sky Sports after former England captain Michael Atherton interviewed the two sons of Imran Khan during the lunch break on the opening day of the Test at Lord’s.According to Cricinfo, the PCB complained to the broadcaster over the decision to air the 18-minute interview with Suleiman Khan and Kasim Khan, which focused on their father’s health and concerns over his safety in prison.The episode created an unusual off-field controversy around the Test, with the PCB reportedly even considering whether Pakistan’s players should remain off the field when play was due to resume for the second session.
PCB warned of possible player protest
Atherton conducted the interview with Suleiman and Kasim on Wednesday at Lord’s, a day before the Test began. Sky Sports had also used a preview of the conversation in its coverage ahead of the match.According to Cricinfo, the PCB contacted Sky Sports before lunch on Thursday and objected to the planned broadcast. The board reportedly warned that Pakistan’s players could refuse to return to the field if the interview was aired.Sky Sports initially held back the segment before eventually showing it during the lunch interval.The interview was not broadcast in Pakistan because state broadcaster PTV holds the television rights for the series.
Imran’s sons speak about his health
During their conversation with Atherton, Suleiman and Kasim discussed their concerns about their father’s condition and safety while he remains in prison.The brothers also spoke about their efforts to ensure that Imran receives appropriate medical treatment.The former Pakistan captain and 1992 World Cup-winning skipper has been incarcerated for around three years, with his health and access to medical care becoming an increasingly prominent concern for his family.His sons have stepped up their public calls for greater access to medical treatment in recent weeks.
Supreme Court order adds to concerns
The latest controversy comes after Pakistan’s Supreme Court last week directed that Imran be admitted to Shifa Hospital in Islamabad.However, instead of being taken to the hospital named in the directive, Imran was taken to the government-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a medical check-up before being returned to prison.His sisters and sons have alleged that the authorities did not follow the court’s directive. They have also continued to demand that Imran be examined by his own doctor.The developments have prompted former international cricketers to publicly call for better medical care for the former Pakistan captain.
Atherton among former captains backing Imran
Last week, 21 former international captains, including Atherton, signed a letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urging authorities to ensure that Imran receives proper medical attention while in custody.The signatories included former captains from India, Australia, England, New Zealand and the West Indies.It followed another appeal in February, when 14 former international captains wrote to the Pakistan government on the issue. Reports said that letter did not receive a response.The PCB has not publicly commented on the reported complaint against Sky Sports.The Pakistan government has previously rejected allegations that Imran has been mistreated in prison or denied access to his family and legal representatives.Speaking to the Associated Press last week, the government said Imran had received more than 900 visits from relatives, lawyers and doctors since his imprisonment in August 2023.
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