Pakistan coach denies team knew of Imran Khan’s sons’ Lord’s interview

Pakistan's head coach, Sarfraz Ahmed, has stated that the national team had no knowledge of the controversial interview with former Prime Minister Imran Khan's sons that was broadcast during the Test match at Lord's. Speaking at a press conference, Ahmed rejected reports that the team had considered delaying its return to the field in protest of the broadcast.

"That did not happen. We were preparing to return to the field as usual after the lunch break. We had no idea about the interview," he said. The coach also stated he was unaware if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had lodged a formal complaint with the England and Wales Cricket Board over the matter, reiterating that the team's focus was solely on the match.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally lodged a complaint with broadcaster Sky Sports after an interview with former prime minister Imran Khan’s sons was aired during the second Test against England at Lord’s.

According to UK media reports, the PCB contacted Sky Sports before the lunch interval on Thursday to object to the planned broadcast, which focused on concerns over Mr Khan's health after nearly three years in custody. The board reportedly warned that the Pakistan team might refuse to return to the field for the afternoon session in protest.

While the broadcaster initially delayed the segment, the interview was eventually aired in full. The Pakistan team returned to the field as scheduled. Pakistan’s state broadcaster, PTV, did not air the interview.

In a related development, Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins has publicly supported calls for Imran Khan to receive proper medical care, joining other international cricketers who have commented on the matter.

The controversy surrounding an interview with former Prime Minister Imran Khan's sons has reportedly drawn commentary from former international cricketers. According to available reports, prominent figures including former Indian captains Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev have now weighed in on the matter, which began after the interview was broadcast by Sky Sports during a Test match at Lord's.

Leaders from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have reportedly commented on the controversy surrounding an interview with former Prime Minister Imran Khan's sons, Sulaiman and Qasim Khan, claiming to have information on who attempted to stop its broadcast.

On the second day of the Lord's Test, Pakistan's head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed stated he was unaware of any protest by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the broadcast of an interview with Imran Khan's sons.

During a press conference, when questioned about the incident, Ahmed said, "I don't know, I am not aware of anything like that." He also denied reports that the team had considered delaying its return to the field after the lunch break in protest. "Nothing of the sort happened, we were preparing to come back to the field as usual after the lunch break," he stated.

Following the broadcast, the Pakistan team briefly delayed its return to the field after the lunch interval as a form of protest. After the short delay, the team resumed play.