Sarfaraz Ahmed Says Pakistan Players Had No Knowledge of England Tour Boycott Threat

Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has denied any knowledge of reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) threatened to halt the England tour over a Sky Sports interview with the sons of former captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The dispute emerged during the lunch break on the opening day of the second Test at Lord’s after Sky Sports broadcast an interview with Kasim and Sulaiman Khan. The brothers discussed their father’s health and conditions in prison.

Sarfaraz said neither he nor the Pakistan players were aware of any disagreement between the PCB and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

“I don’t know anything. I’m just focusing on the match,” Sarfaraz said.

Asked about the interview, he added: “We don’t know about the interview.”

Sarfaraz also rejected suggestions that Pakistan could have refused to return for the afternoon session.

“All are OK. We were having lunch at that time,” he said.

PCB-SKY SPORTS DISPUTE

The PCB reportedly considered cancelling the Lord’s Test and withdrawing from the rest of the three-match series if the interview was aired. Sky Sports initially postponed the segment after receiving a complaint but eventually broadcast the pre-recorded interview.

Former England captain Michael Atherton conducted the interview, in which Imran Khan’s sons raised concerns about their father’s health, security and treatment. They also criticised the UK government’s handling of his situation.

Imran Khan, 73, has been imprisoned since 2023 on corruption charges that he denies. He played international cricket for 21 years and captained Pakistan to their only men’s ODI World Cup title in 1992 before becoming Prime Minister in 2018.

The controversy has also drawn attention because PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is Pakistan’s interior minister.

The ECB reportedly sought guidance from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as the dispute unfolded. Pakistan’s state broadcaster PTV did not show the interview, although it used Sky Sports’ match footage.

Despite the reported threat, Pakistan returned after lunch on Day 1 and the Test continued without interruption. England ended the second day on 81/3, holding a 261-run lead.

CRICKET WORLD RAISES CONCERNS

The controversy comes amid growing calls from cricket figures for better medical care and treatment for Imran Khan.

Twenty-one former international captains, including Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Greg Chappell, Allan Border, Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook and Clive Lloyd, have appealed to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over Khan’s situation.

Their appeal followed a Pakistan Supreme Court order for Khan to undergo a medical assessment and be moved to hospital. He has remained in custody since August 2023, with concerns over his eyesight and overall health.

Former Australia captain Greg Chappell has spoken about Khan’s prolonged isolation, while current Australia captain Pat Cummins also backed calls for him to receive appropriate medical care and continued family visits.

“Adding my support here to GC and the other former international captains. I hope the court ordered medical assessment be allowed to run its course, and that family visits continue. I hope Imran Khan is treated with the dignity anyone deserves,” Cummins said.

The growing support from prominent cricketers has given the issue a wider sporting dimension, with calls increasing for Khan to receive proper medical attention and access to his family.

England are scheduled to tour Pakistan again in October for a one-day tri-series featuring Sri Lanka. It will be their fourth separate visit to the country in four years following a 17-year absence caused by security concerns.