5 days ago
PCB Complains After Sky Aired Imran Khan Sons’ Interview
Sky Sports showed an interview with Imran Khan’s two sons during a cricket match.
The sons said they were worried about their father’s health and treatment in prison.
They mentioned problems including poor eyesight and high blood pressure.
One son also alleged that people were trying to kill Imran Khan, but this claim was not independently confirmed in the reports.
The Pakistan Cricket Board reportedly asked Sky not to show the interview because it considered the topic politically sensitive.
The board considered keeping Pakistan’s players off the field after lunch if the interview aired.
Sky delayed the segment but eventually broadcast it.
Pakistan’s players returned to play, so the Test match continued.
Pakistan’s domestic broadcaster did not show the interview.
The Pakistan Cricket Board reportedly considered keeping its players off the field after lunch at Lord’s if Sky Sports aired the interview.
Mike Atherton conducted an 18-minute interview with Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, at Lord’s on Wednesday.
The brothers discussed concerns about Imran Khan’s health, eyesight, blood pressure and alleged isolation in prison.
Sky initially delayed the pre-recorded segment but broadcast it during the lunch interval; Pakistan later returned for the second session.
The PCB filed a formal complaint with Sky Sports, while Pakistan Television Corporation omitted the interview from its coverage.
- Who
- The Pakistan Cricket Board, Sky Sports, Mike Atherton, and Imran Khan’s sons Kasim and Sulaiman were involved.
- What
- The PCB reportedly objected to Sky Sports airing an interview about Imran Khan and considered a possible protest by Pakistan’s team before filing a formal complaint.
- Where
- The interview was recorded at Lord’s, where England and Pakistan were playing the second Test.
- When
- The interview was recorded on Wednesday and broadcast during the lunch interval on the opening day of the Lord’s Test on Thursday.
- Why
- The PCB reportedly objected to the interview’s political content appearing during coverage of an international cricket match.
PCB and Pakistani Authorities’ Position
Sky Sports and Khan Family’s Position
Whether the interview should air
PCB and Pakistani Authorities’ Position
The PCB reportedly asked Sky Sports not to broadcast the segment, objecting to its politically sensitive content during an international Test.
Sky Sports and Khan Family’s Position
Sky Sports initially delayed the pre-recorded interview but ultimately aired it during the lunch interval.
Imran Khan’s treatment and health
PCB and Pakistani Authorities’ Position
Reports say Pakistani authorities maintain that Imran Khan received medical attention and was returned to prison after a medical examination; security considerations have also been cited in accounts of his treatment.
Sky Sports and Khan Family’s Position
Khan’s sons, family and lawyers have alleged worsening prison conditions, restricted access to doctors and family, serious vision problems and inadequate medical care. These allegations were not independently established in the reports.
Response to the broadcast
PCB and Pakistani Authorities’ Position
The PCB reportedly considered a field protest but ultimately chose to lodge a complaint, and Pakistan continued playing the Test.
Sky Sports and Khan Family’s Position
Sky proceeded with the broadcast after delaying it. The broadcaster acknowledged receiving the complaint but, according to one report, declined to comment publicly.
Key facts
- Interview length
- Approximately 18 minutes
- Interviewer
- Mike Atherton, former England captain and Sky Sports broadcaster
- Interview subjects
- Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman
- Topics discussed
- Imran Khan’s reported health problems, worsening eyesight, high blood pressure and alleged prison isolation
- PCB response
- The board reportedly considered keeping Pakistan’s players off the field after lunch and later filed a formal complaint with Sky Sports
- Broadcast outcome
- Sky initially delayed the segment but aired it during lunch; Pakistan returned for the afternoon session
- Pakistani broadcast
- Pakistan Television Corporation did not show the interview
- Day 1 score
- England finished on 248 for nine before bad light stopped play
Quotes
Sulaiman Khan
Son of jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister and cricketer Imran Khan
“It is not very clear what they are doing, just blatantly trying to kill him in there. Keep him in as long as possible, and silence him.”
telegraphindia.com
rediff.com
firstpost.com
opindia.com
“The last time he was able to speak to our aunties and anyone else, he said the conditions have severely worsened recently.”
rediff.com
Sources
Pakistan threaten Lord’s Test boycott over interview with Imran Khan’s sons
Miffed with Skys interview of Imrans sons, PCB considered pulling players out of Test against Eng
PCB Considered Keeping Players Off Field After Sky Aired Interview With Imran Khan’s Sons
PCB protests Imran Khan sons’ Sky interview at Lord’s, considered keeping Pakistan off field: Report
Explained: Why PCB threatened Pakistan team boycott over Imran Khan interview at Lord's
'Trying to kill him': Imran Khan's sons raise alarm
Shocking! PCB Erupts In Fury Over Imran Khan Sons' Interview During Pakistan-England Lord's Test; Threatens To Boycott Match
Interview of Imran Khan’s sons almost stopped Pakistan-England second Test at Lord’s
Pakistan threatened to not return to field at Lord’s if Sky Sports aired Imran Khan sons’ interview
Pakistan raises complaint with Sky Sports for interview with Imran Khan’s sons: Report
PCB threatened to boycott Lord’s Test over Sky Sports interview: What did Imran Khan’s sons say that spooked Pakistan?
PCB Lodges Protest Over Sky Sports' Interview With Imran Khan's Sons, Threatened To Walkout At Lord's
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