PCB warns Pakistan players against commenting on Imran Khan’s imprisonment

The Pakistan Cricket Board has advised its players taking part in the Test series against England not to comment on Imran Khan’s imprisonment, the board said on August 30, 2026, after a Sky Sports interview was broadcast during the second Test at Lords.

British outlets had approached members of the touring party, and the controversy intensified when Sky Sports aired an interview with Imran’s sons during the lunch interval on the second day of the second Test at Lords. Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was asked at a media conference whether the players had seen the interview of Kassim and Suleman with Mike Atherton; Sarfaraz replied, "No we don't know anything about it, we were having lunch," when questioned about reports that the PCB had threatened not to send the team out after lunch if Sky Sports aired the interview.

A PCB source told reporters the board was "obviously not happy with the Sky Interview as it was political in nature" but said the matter was not prolonged because of a reception for the team on September 2 by Prince Charles and the existing diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom, and the board decided to carry on playing the series.

There has been a sudden surge in international media attention involving cricketers from other countries calling for better health care for Imran Khan while he remains in custody. Former teammate and captain Javed Miandad made an impassioned plea for the authorities to release Imran and described him as "a very honest person."

Imran Khan, aged 73, has been lodged at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since 2023 after being convicted in corruption cases. His continued detention and reported health concerns have drawn criticism from his family and several former international cricketers.

Pakistan lost the first Test by an innings and 103 runs. The third Test is scheduled to begin in Birmingham on September 9.