PCB complains to Sky Sports over airing interview with Imran Khan's sons

A dispute has arisen between the Pakistan Cricket Board and Sky Sports over the airing of an interview with Imran Khan’s sons Qasim and Suleman Khan during the second Test between Pakistan and England at Lord’s. The PCB has filed a formal complaint against Sky Sports over the matter.

According to ‘The Guardian’, the interview was aired during the lunch break on the first day of the Test match. In the conversation, Qasim and Suleman Khan discussed the situation of their father Imran Khan in prison and expressed concern over the alleged behavior of the government.

Qasim Khan said that it is not known what is happening to his father. According to him, an attempt is being made to suppress his voice by keeping Imran Khan in prison for a long time.

Imran Khan has been in prison for the past three years and is allegedly being kept in solitary confinement. His lawyers have described his situation in prison as dangerous, while allegations of torture during his imprisonment have also come from his sister. Last week, 73-year-old Imran Khan was taken to hospital for medical treatment, from where he was later transferred back to jail.

According to the report, the PCB tried to stop the interview before it was broadcast. The lunch break at Lord’s was already delayed longer than usual due to rain, but the situation became more tense after the interview was broadcast.

According to reports, PCB officials also threatened to prevent Pakistani players from returning to the field during this time. Later, England and Wales Cricket Board officials ended the matter through talks between the two parties, after which play resumed.

The full details of the PCB’s complaint have not been revealed. However, according to ‘The Guardian’, the objection may be to Sky Sports’ inclusion of people who are critical of the Pakistani government in the live broadcast.

Sky Sports confirmed that it received the PCB’s complaint, but declined to comment further on the matter.

The displeasure of Pakistani officials was not limited to the cricket board. According to the report, the matter has also been raised with the British government's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

On the other hand, the PCB has assured the ECB that the Pakistani team will also take the field on the second day of the Lord's Test.