3 days ago
PCB Warns Pakistan Players Against Comments on Imran Khan’s Imprisonment
Pakistan’s cricket board told its players not to discuss Imran Khan’s imprisonment.
Khan is a former Pakistan captain and prime minister.
His sons were interviewed by Sky Sports during a Test match against England.
Reporters then asked Pakistan’s coach whether the players had seen the interview.
The coach said they had been eating lunch and did not know about it.
A PCB source said the board thought the interview was political.
Reports that the team might not return to the field were mentioned, but the series continued.
Khan’s family and former cricketers have criticized his detention and expressed concern about his health.
The Pakistan Cricket Board advised players in the England Test series not to comment on Imran Khan’s imprisonment.
The guidance followed a Sky Sports interview with Khan’s sons, Kassim and Suleman, during the second Test at Lord’s.
Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said players had not watched the interview because they were having lunch.
A PCB source said the board viewed the interview as political but decided to continue the series.
Khan has been held at Adiala Jail since 2023 after corruption convictions, while family members and former cricketers have raised health concerns.
- Who
- The Pakistan Cricket Board, Pakistan’s Test players, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, Imran Khan, his sons Kassim and Suleman, and former cricketer Javed Miandad.
- What
- The PCB advised Pakistan players not to comment publicly on Imran Khan’s imprisonment after a Sky Sports interview with his sons.
- Where
- The interview aired during the second Test at Lord’s, while Khan was held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi; the third Test was scheduled for Birmingham.
- When
- The issue arose during the Test series against England; the third Test was scheduled to begin on September 9.
- Why
- A PCB source said the board considered the interview political and wanted to avoid prolonging the dispute.
PCB and Team Position
Critics and Supporters’ Position
Whether players should comment
PCB and Team Position
The PCB advised players to avoid public comments, and a board source described the Sky Sports discussion as political.
Critics and Supporters’ Position
Khan’s family and several former international cricketers have criticized his continued detention and raised concerns about his health.
Whether the dispute threatened the match
PCB and Team Position
Reports suggested the PCB might not send the team back onto the field after lunch, but the board ultimately continued the series.
Critics and Supporters’ Position
The interview aired during the Test, and international media attention continued to include calls for better healthcare for Khan.
Key facts
- Board guidance
- The PCB advised players involved in the England Tests not to comment on Khan’s imprisonment.
- Sky Sports interview
- Khan’s sons, Kassim and Suleman, were interviewed by Mike Atherton during the lunch interval on the second day of the second Test at Lord’s.
- Coach’s response
- Sarfaraz Ahmed said the players were having lunch and had not watched the interview.
- Khan’s detention
- The articles say the 73-year-old Khan has been held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since 2023.
- Legal status
- The articles say Khan was convicted in corruption cases.
- Test series
- Pakistan lost the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs; the third Test was scheduled for Birmingham on September 9.
- PCB considerations
- A PCB source cited a September 2 reception with Prince Charles and diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom as reasons to continue the series.
Quotes
Sarfaraz Ahmed
Pakistan head coach responding to questions about the Sky Sports interview and the players’ awareness of it
“No we don't know anything about it, we were having lunch,””
wionews.com
deccanchronicle.com
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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