Babar Azam rejects reports Pakistan considered not returning after lunch during Lord’s Test

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam denied on Sunday that the team discussed refusing to return to the field after lunch on Day 1 of the Lord’s Test, following the broadcast of a Sky Sports interview with Imran Khan’s sons. England beat Pakistan by 194 runs at Lord’s to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Reports emerged that the Pakistan Cricket Board had threatened not to send the team back onto the field if Sky Sports aired an interview with Sulaiman and Kasim Khan; the pre-recorded conversation, conducted by Michael Atherton, was broadcast during the lunch interval on the opening day. The segment reportedly focused on concerns surrounding Imran Khan’s treatment and health, and the PCB lodged a complaint with the broadcaster. Pakistan returned for the afternoon session as scheduled and play continued without interruption.

Asked about the reported refusal to take the field when interviewed after the match, Babar said: “No, no. I have not heard that thing.” When pressed again on whether he was aware of any such discussions, he repeated: “No, I have not heard anything about that.”

Pakistan were chasing 389 for victory and were bowled out for 194, with Saud Shakeel top-scoring with 97. Shakeel and Shan Masood added 97 runs after Pakistan had slipped to 14-3, and Ollie Robinson broke the partnership before finishing with four wickets in the innings and eight in the match.

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq was unable to bat again after suffering a calf injury on the first day, a development the source reported as affecting the match proceedings; England needed only 18 wickets to complete the victory after his absence. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed had earlier said he and the players were unaware of the reported threat and remained focused on the match.

The result gave England their first Test series victory since December 2024 and left them 2-0 up with one match remaining. Pakistan will travel to Birmingham for the series finale at Edgbaston, beginning on September 9.