PCB Threatens Player Protest Over Broadcaster's Interview with Imran Khan's Sons During PAK vs ENG 2nd Test 2026 at Lord's

The cricketing world was rocked yesterday as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reacted furiously to Sky Sports' decision to air an interview with Imran Khan’s sons, Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, threatening a player walk-off during the ongoing Second Test against England at Lord's. The explosive interview, conducted by former England captain Michael Atherton, delved into serious allegations regarding the former Prime Minister and cricket legend's deteriorating health and harsh prison conditions. Mohammad Ali Castles World No 1 Batter Harry Brook With Unplayable Delivery at Lord’s in PAK vs ENG 2nd Test 2026.

Imran Khan Sons Get Interviewed By Michael Atherton

Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim & Suleman Khan, have spoken to Sky Sports ahead of the second England-Pakistan Test at Lord’s, highlighting their father’s imprisonment and concerns over his health and treatment.

A powerful conversation on one of cricket’s biggest stages. 🇵🇰#ENGvPAK…

— Pakistan Cricket Team USA FC (@DoctorofCricket) August 27, 2026

The Controversial Broadcast

The interview featuring Sulaiman and Kasim Khan was broadcast during the lunch interval of the Second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's on Thursday, August 27, 2026. In the approximately 18-minute conversation with Michael Atherton, the brothers expressed profound concerns for their father's well-being. They alleged that Imran Khan is being subjected to prolonged isolation and inadequate medical care while incarcerated, having been in solitary confinement for three years.

PCB's Strong Reaction

The Pakistan Cricket Board lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports following the broadcast, reportedly going as far as to consider having the national team not take the field in protest. This unprecedented move underscores the PCB's deep displeasure and the highly sensitive political nature surrounding Imran Khan's imprisonment, even within the sporting arena.

Imran Khan's Sons Speak Out

Speaking from London, Sulaiman and Kasim Khan painted a bleak picture of their father's situation. They claimed Imran Khan has lost approximately 80% of the vision in his right eye and has recently been seen wearing an eye patch. They further alleged that he spends more than 23 hours a day in solitary confinement within a small cell, with limited access to books and basic comforts, and no air conditioning during the summer months, with temperatures becoming extreme. Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev Among 21 Former International Cricket Captains Urge Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif for 'Humane Treatment' of Imran Khan.

Kasim Khan explicitly stated his belief that authorities were "blatantly trying to kill him in there. Keep him in as long as possible, and silence him." The brothers also noted that they have not been allowed meaningful access to their father for ten months, making them "more in the dark than we've ever been through his incarceration."

This incident highlights the growing intertwining of sports and politics in Pakistan, with the PCB's strong reaction signalling a potential escalation in the national team's involvement in the calls for Imran Khan's fair treatment. The cricketing world will be closely watching for any further developments as the series continues amidst this significant controversy.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2026 09:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).