LONDON, Aug. 28, 2026 — Pakistan’s cricket team reportedly came close to refusing to resume play in the second Test against England at Lord’s after Sky Sports broadcast an interview with the sons of former Pakistan prime minister and cricket captain Imran Khan. The interview, featuring former England captain Michael Atherton and Khan’s sons Suleiman and Kasim, was broadcast during Thursday’s lunch interval. The two brothers raised concerns about their father’s health, safety and treatment while he remains imprisoned in Pakistan.

According to Cricinfo, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) threatened to prevent its players from returning to the field for the afternoon session in response to the broadcast. The Guardian also reported that the PCB lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports.

Pakistan Resumed Play After Lunch

Despite the reported threat of a boycott, Pakistan’s players returned to the field as scheduled following the lunch break, and the match continued without interruption. Sky Sports declined to comment when contacted by the Press Association, while the PCB did not immediately respond publicly to the reports. The incident raised memories of the controversial 2006 Test at The Oval, when Pakistan refused to take the field after umpires accused the team of ball-tampering. However, there was no repeat of that dispute at Lord’s.

Imran Khan’s Sons Raise Concerns

During the interview, Suleiman and Kasim expressed concern about their father’s condition and called for him to receive appropriate medical care. They have previously urged Pakistani authorities to allow an independent doctor or Khan’s personal physician to examine him and make the medical findings public. The former Pakistan captain has been imprisoned for around three years following a series of legal cases. His supporters maintain that the cases against him are politically motivated, while Pakistani authorities deny the allegations.

Former Captains Back Khan

The issue has also drawn support from former international cricket captains. Former Australia captain Greg Chappell was among a group of 21 former captains who recently signed a letter urging Pakistan’s leadership to ensure Khan receives proper medical care while in custody.

Australia captain Pat Cummins also expressed support for the call.

“Adding my support here to GC and the other former international captains,” Cummins wrote on X. He said he hoped a court-ordered medical assessment would be allowed to proceed and that family visits would continue.

The political controversy came as England and Pakistan continued their Test series at Lord’s, with the cricket proceeding despite the dispute surrounding the television interview.