Babar Azam Denies PCB’s Lord’s Test Boycott Threat Over Imran Khan Sons’ Interview

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has unequivocally denied hearing anything about a potential boycott by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) during the second Test against England at Lord's. The alleged threat reportedly stemmed from the PCB's anger over an interview with the sons of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, aired by Sky Sports during the lunch interval on Day 1 of the match. PCB Threatens Player Protest Over Broadcaster's Interview with Imran Khan's Sons During PAK vs ENG 2nd Test 2026 at Lord's.

Babar Azam on Boycott Threat Over Pakistan Not Taking Field After Lunch on Day 1

Pakistan captain Babar Azam says he wasn't aware of any conversations around his team not taking to the field after lunch on day one of the second Test because of an interview that aired with the sons of Imran Khan. pic.twitter.com/bj1SM7at0V

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) August 30, 2026

Speaking to BBC Test Match Special after the conclusion of the Lord's Test, Azam was direct in his response when questioned about the controversy. "No, no, no. I have not heard that thing," Babar stated, further reiterating "No" when pressed on his awareness of any conversations surrounding his team not taking to the field after lunch.

The Sky Sports Interview Controversy

The contentious interview, conducted by former England skipper Michael Atherton, was broadcast during the lunch break on August 30, 2026, the opening day of the second Test. Reports indicate that the interview, which ran for 18 minutes, focused on concerns raised by Imran Khan’s sons regarding their father's treatment, health and conditions while in prison.

The PCB was reportedly incensed by the broadcast and, according to various reports, threatened to cancel the Lord’s Test and abandon the remainder of the three-match tour if the interview went on air. Despite the alleged threat and the controversy it generated, a version of the interview was broadcast, and critically, the Pakistan players returned to the field as scheduled after the interval, allowing the game to proceed without interruption. ECB Reportedly Turned to UK Government For Help After PCB Threatened Lord’s Test Boycott Over Imran Khan Sons' Interview.

PCB's Stance on Political Remarks

This incident comes against the backdrop of increased scrutiny over political commentary from Pakistani cricketers. Earlier reports suggested that the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB had tightened its rules, specifically instructing players to refrain from making any political remarks during their tour of the United Kingdom. This directive was understood to be directly linked to the ongoing controversy surrounding Imran Khan.

While the alleged boycott threat created significant tension on the opening day of the Lord's Test, Babar Azam's comments suggest that the team's on-field focus remained uncompromised, at least from the captain's perspective. The match ultimately concluded without any further interruption related to the off-field dispute.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 31, 2026 03:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).