Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said he was unaware of any discussions between the Pakistan Cricket Board and the England and Wales Cricket Board about the pre-recorded interview featuring Imran Khan’s sons that was broadcast during the second Test at Lord’s.
The interview, conducted by former England captain Mike Atherton, included Imran Khan’s sons Suleiman and Kasim and raised concerns about their father’s health and declining eyesight while he remains imprisoned in Pakistan.
The PCB had contemplated pulling its players off the field after the lunch break on the first day of the second Test, but Sky Sports proceeded with the 18‑minute interview despite the board’s objections, after initially postponing it.
After intervention by the England Cricket Board, the PCB resolved the issue and the Pakistani side resumed play in the afternoon session.
Sarfaraz States He Had No Knowledge of Board Discussions
When questioned further, the Pakistan coach appeared uneasy with the line of inquiry and tried to steer the discussion back to cricket. The controversy arose against the backdrop of Pakistan’s underwhelming performance, as the team were bowled out for 110 in their first innings, giving England a 261‑run lead on the second day.
Coach Redirects Focus to Cricket Amid Controversy
Sarfaraz stated that the Pakistani squad had no knowledge of the broadcast during the lunch break when players were off the field, stressing that the team’s sole focus remained on the match at Lord’s.
“Everything is fine. We were simply having lunch,” he concluded.
“You’re referring to the interview? We have no information about it,” he added.
On Day 2 of the second Test at Lord’s, England extended their advantage to a commanding 261‑run lead at stumps. After dismissing Pakistan for 110, they reached 81/3 in 22 overs of their second innings, maintaining a run rate of 3.68.
