London: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) threatened to boycott the second Test against England at Lord’s after Friday’s lunch break over the broadcast of an interview with the sons of former Pakistan captain Imran Khan. However, the threat ultimately proved hollow, as Pakistan’s players took the field according to schedule despite rain interruptions during the Test. Senior officials of the England cricket authorities reportedly made considerable efforts to persuade PCB officials to withdraw the boycott threat.
Pakistan bowled out for 110 after suffering heavy defeat in first Test
After Pakistan suffered a crushing innings-and-103-run defeat at the hands of England in the first Test at Leeds on August 21, the team desperately needed to save face in the series. However, their troubles continued at Lord’s. After England were bowled out for 290 in their first innings, Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, collapsed on Friday and were dismissed for just 110, giving England a massive 180-run lead. Seven Pakistan batters were dismissed in single figures. Ollie Robinson claimed four wickets, Jofra Archer took three and Josh Tongue picked up two.
Pakistan could now lose the Test as early as the third or fourth day.
Pakistan cannot afford to boycott a Test in England
Pakistan cannot really afford to boycott a match in England, as they still have to play the third Test in Birmingham. More importantly, England’s cricket board is scheduled to send its national team to Pakistan in October for a triangular tournament.
If the PCB were to force its players into any kind of boycott, it could have a direct impact on cricketing relations between the two countries. For nearly two decades, very few countries have been willing to send their teams to Pakistan without hesitation because of concerns over terrorist attacks. If the Pakistan board were to make its players boycott a Test at Lord’s, England’s cricket authorities could respond with countermeasures.
‘We fear our father could be killed’: Imran Khan’s sons
Sky Sports, the official broadcaster of the ongoing series, aired an interview on Thursday with the sons of former Pakistan captain Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned in Pakistan. The broadcast angered the PCB, which lodged an official complaint against the broadcaster. The board had even considered boycotting the match after Friday’s lunch break. However, the Pakistani players eventually returned to the field.
Mike Atherton, the former England captain, interviewed Imran Khan’s sons, Qasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan. Sky Sports broadcast the 18-minute interview, triggering controversy. During the interview, the two expressed serious concerns about their father’s health and deteriorating eyesight. They also said they feared that attempts could be made to kill their father while he is in prison.
Imran has been in prison for three years
The 73-year-old Imran Khan has been in prison since his arrest in August 2023 in a corruption case. He has since been convicted in one case and sentenced to 14 years in prison.
The interview given by Imran’s sons to Mike Atherton has been banned from broadcast in Pakistan.
Qasim and Sulaiman’s mother is English
Imran Khan married Jemima Goldsmith, the daughter of an English billionaire, in 1995. The couple divorced in 2004. Imran and Jemima have two sons, Qasim and Sulaiman, who expressed serious concerns about their father’s safety during their interview with Mike Atherton.
Twenty-three captains, including Kapil and Gavaskar, support Imran
Three former Indian captains — Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar — along with eight Australian captains, including Allan Border, Steve Waugh and Pat Cummins, and England’s Mike Atherton are among a total of 23 cricket captains who have jointly signed a petition.
In the petition, they have urged Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure special care for Imran Khan’s health amid concerns over his deteriorating condition.
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