PCB threatens player protest after Atherton’s interview with Imran Khan’s sons
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) objected to a Sky Sports interview with Imran Khan's sons, which discussed the former leader's health and imprisonment. The board threatened a player protest, highlighting the tension between sports broadcasting and political controversy.
Why it matters
This incident underscores the difficulty of separating sports from the political climate in countries where sports figures are deeply intertwined with national politics.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly raised an objection with Sky Sports after former England captain Michael Atherton interviewed the two sons of Imran Khan during the lunch break on the opening day of the Test at Lord’s.According to Cricinfo, the PCB complained to the broadcaster over the decision to air the 18-minute interview with Suleiman Khan and Kasim Khan, which focused on their father’s health and concerns over his safety in prison.The episode created an unusual off-field controversy around the Test, with the PCB reportedly even considering whether Pakistan’s players should remain off the field when play was due to resume for the second session.PCB warned of possible player protestAtherton conducted the interview with Suleiman and Kasim on Wednesday at Lord’s, a day before the Test began.
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