Tourists' Fury at Sky Piece on Jailed Imran

By the Editorial Team · Friday, August 28, 2026

The broadcast of an interview with Imran Khan’s sons during the Pakistan vs. England Test match's lunch break caused the Pakistan Cricket Board to threaten delaying the game due to concerns over the content. This incident highlights the deep political sensitivities surrounding Khan's imprisonment and the PCB’s efforts to minimize criticism amid ongoing calls for his medical treatment.

The opening day of the second Test match between Pakistan and England faced disruption amid a dispute over a broadcast interview with the sons of former Pakistan captain and ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed strong displeasure over Sky Sports airing the interview, sparking concerns that the game’s resumption after the lunch break could be delayed.

During the lunch interval, Sky Sports broadcast an 18-minute interview conducted by Mike Atherton with Suleiman and Kasim Khan, Imran Khan’s sons. In the discussion, they voiced fears about their father’s health and safety after spending three years in jail on corruption-related charges. The interview raised tensions given the PCB’s reported sensitivity to criticism directed at the current government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Officials have consistently denied allegations of mistreatment or undue restrictions on prison visits by Imran Khan’s family and legal representatives.

Although the PCB initially threatened to postpone the match’s continuation following the broadcast, the delay was ultimately limited as the Pakistan cricket team returned to the field as scheduled. The controversy comes amid wider calls for proper medical care for Imran Khan while incarcerated. Twenty-one former cricket captains from nations including England, Australia, India, New Zealand, and the West Indies recently signed a letter addressed to Shehbaz Sharif urging adequate treatment for the former leader.

The incident underscores the intricate overlap between cricket and politics in Pakistan, where Imran Khan remains a figure of considerable public and political significance despite his imprisonment. The PCB’s reaction reflects ongoing tensions around how Khan’s detention and wellbeing are portrayed in the international media. Officials appear determined to avoid further scrutiny that could reflect negatively on the government or the sporting body itself. Meanwhile, the match between Pakistan and England continues amid this backdrop of heightened sensitivity over Imran Khan’s imprisonment and related media coverage.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.