Jemima Goldsmith attended the England-Pakistan Test match at Lord’s Cricket Ground accompanied by her two sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, amid increasing concerns over the health of their father, former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan. The family’s presence comes shortly after an interview with the brothers at the venue triggered tensions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which had threatened a boycott of the match.

The interview, conducted by Michael Atherton and aired by Sky Sports during the lunch interval on the first day of the Test, featured the brothers expressing fears that their 73-year-old father might die in prison. Khan’s sons, who reside in London, stated they have not seen him since 2022 and have been prevented from contacting him for several months. They accused Pakistani authorities of isolating Khan and withholding adequate medical treatment.

Goldsmith, Khan’s former wife, posted a photograph of herself with her sons at Lord’s on social media, including the hashtag “#FreeImranKhan.” She has publicly appealed to Pakistan’s current prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, urging him to facilitate visa approvals that would allow the brothers to visit their father. Goldsmith contends that Pakistani authorities have obstructed these efforts.

The government of Pakistan has denied allegations of mistreatment, maintaining that Khan is receiving appropriate medical care. Reports have emerged suggesting Khan suffers from significant sight loss in his right eye, adding to the mounting health concerns.

Imran Khan, once one of Pakistan’s most celebrated cricketers, transitioned into politics after retiring from the sport. He served as prime minister from 2018 until his removal through a parliamentary vote of confidence in 2022. Since his arrest in 2023, Khan has faced multiple legal cases, which he and his supporters allege are politically motivated attempts to block his return to power.

The decision by Sky Sports to broadcast the brothers’ interview during the match drew protest from the Pakistan Cricket Board, which initially warned that its players might refuse to continue playing if the segment was shown. While the broadcast was delayed, it ultimately went ahead, and the game resumed without further incident.

The incident highlights ongoing political tensions surrounding Khan’s imprisonment and the broader implications for Pakistan’s political landscape, as well as the intersection of sport and political expression on the international stage.