4 days ago
Sarfaraz Denies Knowledge of Reported PCB England Tour Threat
Sky Sports showed an interview with Imran Khan’s two sons during a cricket match.
The brothers talked about their father, who has been in prison since 2023.
They said they were worried about his health, treatment, and safety.
Reports said Pakistan’s cricket board objected to the interview.
Some reports said Pakistan might refuse to play or end its England tour if the interview was shown.
Sky Sports broadcast the interview anyway.
Pakistan’s players returned to the field after lunch as planned.
Coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said he did not know about the reported disagreement.
Pakistan’s television broadcaster reportedly showed commercials instead of the interview.
Reports said the Pakistan Cricket Board objected to Sky Sports’ interview with Imran Khan’s sons and threatened a boycott or tour cancellation.
Suleiman Khan and Kasim Khan discussed their imprisoned father’s health, treatment, and security concerns with Michael Atherton.
Sky Sports aired the interview during the lunch break on the opening day of the second Test at Lord’s.
Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said he knew nothing about discussions between the PCB and the ECB or any possible refusal to play.
Pakistan returned to the field as scheduled, while PTV reportedly replaced the interview segment with commercials.
- Who
- Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, the Pakistan Cricket Board, the England and Wales Cricket Board, Sky Sports, Pakistan Television, and Imran Khan’s sons Suleiman Khan and Kasim Khan.
- What
- A reported dispute over Sky Sports’ broadcast of an interview with Imran Khan’s sons, including alleged threats to boycott play or end Pakistan’s England tour.
- Where
- Lord’s in London, England; Pakistan Television handled the broadcast differently in Pakistan.
- When
- The interview aired during the lunch break on the opening day of the second Test; Sarfaraz addressed the issue after the second day’s play.
- Why
- The interview discussed Imran Khan’s imprisonment and his sons’ concerns about his health, treatment, and security, reportedly prompting a PCB objection.
Reported PCB Position
Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Account
Objection to the interview
Reported PCB Position
Multiple reports said the Pakistan Cricket Board objected to Sky Sports airing the interview and communicated with the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Account
Sarfaraz said he knew nothing about discussions between the boards and said he and the team did not know about the interview.
Possible boycott or tour cancellation
Reported PCB Position
Reports differed on the alleged consequence: some described Pakistan refusing to take the field after lunch, while others reported a threat to cancel the Test and the remainder of the tour.
Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Account
Sarfaraz rejected the suggestion that the players would not play, saying they were having lunch when the interview was broadcast.
Handling of the broadcast
Reported PCB Position
Sky Sports reportedly sought government advice before airing the interview and proceeded with the broadcast despite the reported PCB complaint.
Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Account
Pakistan Television reportedly ran commercials instead of the interview, while Pakistan’s players continued the Test as scheduled.
Key facts
- Interviewees
- Suleiman Khan and Kasim Khan, sons of Imran Khan.
- Interviewer
- Michael Atherton, broadcaster and former England captain.
- Broadcast timing
- Sky Sports aired the interview during the first-day lunch break at Lord’s.
- Reported PCB response
- Multiple reports said the Pakistan Cricket Board complained to Sky Sports and communicated with the England and Wales Cricket Board.
- Reported threat
- Reports variously described a possible refusal to take the field after lunch or cancellation of the Test and the remainder of the three-match tour.
- Sarfaraz’s response
- He said, “I don’t know anything. I’m just focusing on the match.”
- Broadcast in Pakistan
- Pakistan Television reportedly replaced the interview segment with commercials while using Sky Sports’ match feed.
- Match position
- Pakistan conceded 290, were dismissed for 110, and England ended day two on 81 for three with a 261-run lead.
Quotes
Sarfaraz Ahmed
Former Pakistan captain and head coach
“You're talking about the interview? We don't know about the interview. All are OK. We were having lunch at that time.”
theprint.in
rediff.com
wionews.com
telegraphindia.com
“I don’t know anything. I’m just focusing on the match.”
theprint.in
freepressjournal.in
rediff.com
wionews.com
telegraphindia.com
Sources
Sarfaraz Ahmed denies knowing about PCB’s threat to end England tour
'I Don't Know Anything': Pakistan Coach Sarfaraz Ahmed Breaks Silence On Imran Khan Sons' Interview Row | Video
'I Don't Know Anything': Sarfaraz on Imran Interview Row
'Playing Dumb': Pakistan coach Sarfaraz dodges questions on PCB-ECB row over Imran Khan's sons
PCB threat over Imran Khan interview: Pakistan coach says he knew nothing of it - Telegraph India
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