Babar Azam breaks silence on PCB's threat over interview of Imran Khan's sons
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Babar Azam finished the Lord’s Test with just 14 runs across two innings.
The second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord’s became a talking point even before the cricketing action ended in England’s favour.
While the match was expected to attract attention due to the long-standing rivalry heating up, the off-field controversy involving the Pakistan Cricket Board’s stance against Sky Sports became a major storyline.
The issue centred on an interview with Kasim and Sulaiman Khan, the sons of former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan. The programme hosted by Michael Atherton for Sky Sports focused on concerns surrounding their father’s health issues and his circumstances under the state of imprisonment.
Later, reports emerged that the PCB had objected to the broadcast of the interview and warned Sky Sports that if it were aired during the lunch break on Day 1 of the 2nd Test, they would boycott the day’s play.
However, Pakistan eventually resumed play as scheduled, and the Test match continued without any interruption.
Babar Azam says he was unaware of any boycott discussion
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Pakistan batter Babar Azam has now denied having any knowledge of such a discussion with the team. While speaking to the BBC during the Test following Pakistan’s massive 194-run defeat at Lord’s, he was directly asked about the incident.
His response has sparked a fresh controversy, as the Pakistan skipper seemed completely unaware of the situation. He said, “No, no, no. I haven’t heard that thing.” When asked again whether he was aware of the ongoing conversations, Babar said, “No.”
Earlier in the statement, Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed also indicated that he and the entire team were not unaware of the controversy or any such development within the squad.
These comments offered a clear response to the news surrounding the controversy. This suggested that, regardless of the controversy, neither Babar nor anyone else in the Pakistan dressing room was aware of the proceedings.
The match was played uninterrupted, and Pakistan eventually lost the match by a massive margin. This marked the second defeat for Pakistan in the series. They lost the series following their defeats at Headingley and Lord’s.
Did Pakistan really boycott the ENG vs PAK second Test?
No, Pakistan did not actually boycott the second Test against England; they only issued a threat before returning to the field.
Are Pakistan still in contention for the WTC 2025-27 final?
Pakistan are mathematically in contention, but their chances of reaching the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 final are unlikely.
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