Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board has lodged a formal complaint against Sky Sports for airing an interview with Imran Khan’s sons Qasim and Suleman Khan during the lunch break during the coverage of the first day of the second Test at Lord’s.
According to The Guardian, the interview was aired in reference to former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, about whom his sons have expressed concern over the alleged mistreatment by the government and his imprisonment. Imran Khan has been in prison for the past three years and has allegedly been kept in solitary confinement.
Qasim Khan said in the interview that it is unclear what is happening to him and that an attempt is being made to silence his voice by keeping him in prison for as long as possible.
According to the report, Imran Khan’s lawyers have described his prison conditions as dangerous, while his sister has also made allegations of torture during his imprisonment. Last week, 73-year-old Imran Khan was taken to hospital for treatment, but was later remanded in custody.
The full nature of the PCB’s complaint is unclear, according to The Guardian, but it is likely that the objection is related to Sky Sports giving a platform to people who criticize the government. Sky Sports confirmed receiving the complaint but declined to comment further.
The Pakistan Cricket Board had reportedly tried to stop the interview from being broadcast. The lunch break at Lord’s was already delayed due to rain. After the interview was broadcast, PCB officials threatened to stop Pakistani players from returning to the field.
However, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) officials resolved the matter through negotiations and play resumed. The Guardian reported that Pakistani officials remain unsatisfied with the issue and have reportedly raised the issue with the British government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The PCB has assured ECB officials that the Pakistani team will also participate in the second day of the Lord’s Test.