London, August 28, 2026: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports over the broadcaster’s decision to air an interview with the sons of former Pakistan captain Imran Khan during the lunch interval on the opening day of the second Test between Pakistan and England at Lord’s, according to international media reports.
The 18-minute interview, conducted by former England captain and broadcaster Mike Atherton, featured Imran Khan’s sons, Suleiman and Kasim Khan, who discussed concerns over their father’s health and his current circumstances.
According to media reports, the PCB had contacted Sky Sports before the scheduled lunch break and objected to the planned broadcast. The board reportedly raised concerns about the timing of the interview and the potential impact of airing it during an ongoing Test match.
Reports suggested that the PCB even considered the possibility of Pakistan’s players not returning to the field for the second session if the interview was broadcast.
Sky Sports initially delayed the programme following the PCB’s objections but eventually aired the interview during the lunch interval. By the time the interview concluded, Pakistan’s players were preparing to return to the field for the afternoon session, scheduled to begin at 2:40pm local time.
The interview had been recorded by Atherton on Wednesday morning in the Writers’ Room at Lord’s. Sky Sports had also promoted a preview of the programme ahead of the second Test, drawing attention to the interview before it was broadcast.
The dispute over the interview comes against the backdrop of continued concern among Imran Khan’s family and supporters regarding the former prime minister’s health and access to medical care while in custody.
The PCB’s reported objection was understood to be focused on the broadcast of the interview during the Test rather than its content. However, the board has yet to issue a detailed public statement explaining the grounds of its complaint.
In Pakistan, PTV, which is broadcasting the Test series domestically, did not air the interview.
Media reports further suggested that the PCB was considering taking up the matter with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), although no official confirmation of such a move was immediately available.
Despite the disagreement, Pakistan’s players returned to the field as scheduled for the second session and continued the Test match.
The PCB was contacted for an official comment regarding its complaint and the circumstances surrounding the broadcast.
