Lord’s: PCB’s attempt to block Imran Khan interview during England-Pakistan Test
Off-field drama at Lord’s
During the Pakistan-England Test match at Lord’s, an 18-minute interview featuring Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman Khan, was broadcast by Sky Sports during the lunch interval. The interview, which focused on their father’s health and incarceration, led to a significant off-field controversy. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly objected to the broadcast and sought to prevent its airing.
The PCB’s chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, is understood to be closely associated with Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir. The board reportedly warned that Pakistan’s players might not return to the field if the segment was broadcast. Despite these objections, Sky Sports proceeded with the interview.
Following tense discussions between officials, Pakistan’s players eventually returned for the afternoon session, and the match continued as scheduled. Play concluded early due to bad light. The PCB has not publicly commented on the reported complaint against Sky Sports.
Concerns over Imran Khan’s health and treatment
In their interview with Michael Atherton, Imran Khan’s sons described their father’s highly restrictive living conditions and expressed alarm regarding his health. They stated that he spends more than 23 hours daily in his cell and is increasingly stressed and isolated. Kasim Khan accused authorities of deliberately keeping his father imprisoned and silenced, claiming they were “blatantly trying to kill him in there.”
Imran Khan was taken to a government hospital in Islamabad last week for a medical visit after a Supreme Court ruling. However, he was returned to prison after a midnight check-up, with his sons stating that the hospital visit provided little meaningful treatment. Lawyers have described his living conditions as “slow-motion murder,” and his sister has claimed he has been tortured.
The former prime minister, who led Pakistan to the Cricket World Cup title in 1992, has been incarcerated for approximately three years. His family and legal representatives have voiced increasing concerns about his health and access to medical care. The Supreme Court had directed that he be admitted to Shifa Hospital in Islamabad, but he was instead taken to the government-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a check-up before being returned to prison.
Many former international cricketers, including Atherton, have publicly advocated for Imran Khan to receive humane treatment and appropriate medical care. A group of 21 former international captains, including six former England captains, former India captain Kapil Dev, and Australian players Adam Gilchrist and Greg Chappell, signed letters calling for a full and independent assessment of his health, particularly concerning his right eye. His lawyers have indicated that he has lost 85% vision in his right eye due to his living conditions.
Public and online reactions
The incident garnered significant attention online, particularly among Pakistanis on X, who expressed satisfaction that the PCB was being “exposed” on a global stage. Some users highlighted Atherton’s advocacy during the live coverage, noting his description of it as a “humanitarian appeal.”
A Pakistani cricket commentator, Najeeb Ullah, drew attention to Atherton’s continued efforts. Another X user, Mubarak Khan, commented on the perceived embarrassment for the Pakistani regime. Activist Mehlaqa Samdani noted the global awareness generated about the situation during the Test match lunch break.
Some Pakistanis also observed that PTV, the state broadcaster, played a commercial instead of airing the interview, as it holds the television rights for the series. The confrontation also extended to a symbolic gesture when Atherton pointed out Imran Khan’s portrait in the Lord’s Long Room during the Sky Sports interview. In response, the PCB posted a picture of former cricketers with former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq in the same room.
The Pakistan government has previously rejected allegations of mistreatment or denial of access for Imran Khan, stating he has received over 900 visits from relatives, lawyers, and doctors since his imprisonment in August 2023.
Source: theprint.in
