LONDON: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports over an interview with former Pakistan captain Imran Khan’s sons during the Lord’s Test.
Sky Sports aired the interview during the lunch break on the first day of the second Test between Pakistan and England.
Former England captain and Sky Sports broadcaster Michael Atherton conducted the interview.
Imran Khan’s Sons Discuss His Health
During the interview, Sulaiman Khan and Kasim Khan spoke about their father’s health.
They also expressed concerns about his condition.
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The interview drew a strong reaction from the PCB because Sky Sports aired it during the Test match.
Reports said the PCB contacted Sky Sports before the lunch break. The board objected to the planned broadcast of the interview.
PCB Considered Keeping Players Off the Field
The dispute also raised the possibility of a protest by the Pakistan team.
According to reports, the PCB considered asking the players not to return to the field after lunch.
However, the players later returned for the afternoon session. Play continued at Lord’s after the break.
The PCB instead pursued a formal complaint against Sky Sports.
Mike Atherton Conducted the Interview
Michael Atherton, a former England captain, conducted the interview.
Atherton now works as a broadcaster for Sky Sports and covers international cricket.
His interview with Imran Khan’s sons brought their father’s health into the spotlight during an important Test match.
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The incident added tension away from the cricket field.
Pakistan and England Face Off at Lord’s
The controversy came during the second Test between Pakistan and England at Lord’s.
Pakistan made an early impact with the ball on the opening day. Mohammad Abbas took four wickets as England lost four wickets for 80 runs before lunch.
England later fought back through half-centuries from Jamie Smith and Jordan Cox.
The match ended early because of bad light, with England on 248 for nine at the close of play.
The PCB-Sky Sports dispute, however, became one of the major off-field stories of the day.
