The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has advised its players involved in the Test series against England not to comment on the issue of Imran Khan’s imprisonment. This was after British media attempted to bait some of them into making comments on World Cup-winning skipper Imran’s imprisonment back in the country. The issue gained momemtum following Sky Sports’ interview with Imran’s sons, aired during the lunch interval on the second day of the second Test at the Lords.
PCB Responds to Controversial Sky Sports Interview
During a media conference, Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed that the Pakistan cricket team was unaware of the controversy surrounding a Sky Sports interview, as they were having lunch at the time. “No, we don’t know anything about it, we were having lunch,” he stated when questioned about reports suggesting that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had threatened not to send the team out for their post-lunch session if the interview aired.
Former captain Javed Miandad voiced his support for Imran Khan, describing him as a very honest person and urging authorities to release him.
A source within the PCB indicated that the Board was dissatisfied with the political nature of the Sky interview. However, due to a scheduled reception for the team by Prince Charles on September 2 and the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom, the PCB opted to focus on the ongoing series rather than escalate the situation.
In terms of performance, Pakistan faced a significant defeat in the first Test, losing by an innings and 103 runs. The third Test is set to commence in Birmingham on September 9.
