PCB threatened player protest over Sky interview with Imran Khan's sons
PCB threatened to withdraw Pakistan players from the field over Sky's interview with Imran Khan's sons at Lord's.
The Pakistan Cricket Board objected to Sky Sports airing an interview with Imran Khan's sons during the second Test against England at Lord's. The interview focused on their father's health and safety concerns while imprisoned, and the PCB warned that Pakistan's players could refuse to take the field after lunch if the broadcast proceeded.
Sky Sports initially delayed the interview before showing it during the lunch interval. Suleiman Khan and Kasim Khan discussed their father's medical condition and access to treatment during the segment. The controversy arose after a Supreme Court order regarding Khan's hospital admission.
The PCB considered asking players to stage a protest but the broadcast went ahead as scheduled. The incident highlighted tensions between the board and media coverage of Khan's legal situation.
CricHubb Take
The PCB's willingness to escalate a broadcast dispute into a potential player boycott shows how quickly cricket governance in Pakistan becomes entangled with political sensitivities.