Sarfaraz unaware of reported PCB threat amid Imran Khan sons’ interview row

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has denied knowing about a reported PCB threat to end the England tour following an interview with Imran Khan’s sons. Sarfaraz said Pakistan players were focused on the Test and unaware of the situation

London: Former Pakistan captain and head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed on Saturday denied having any knowledge of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s threat to end the tour of England during the second Test here, which was reportedly made around the airing of a Sky interview with Imran Khan’s sons.

Sky Sports had aired an interview with Imran’s sons, Suleiman Khan and Kasim Khan, conducted by broadcaster and former England captain Michael Atherton, during the lunch break on the opening day of the second Test at Lord’s.

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Imran’s sons had expressed concern about the health of the former Pakistan captain in the interview. Imran has been in prison for three years, and his sons said they feared for his life.

The 39-year-old Sarfaraz, who last played for Pakistan in December 2023, said at the end of the second day’s play that he was not aware of any such developments.

“I don’t know anything. I’m just focusing on the match,” Sarfaraz said when asked what he knew about the situation and the conversation between the PCB and the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Sarfaraz was further asked if there was any suggestion that Pakistan players would not take the field after lunch.

“No, no. You’re talking about the interview? We don’t know about the interview,” he said, interrupting the question.

When asked if the players were going to play, Sarfaraz replied, “All are okay. We were having our lunch at that time.”

The PCB had made a formal complaint to Sky Sports after the interview was aired.

According to the BBC, the ECB took government advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in its “response to the tension” around the situation.

The interview was not telecast in Pakistan by PTV, which is broadcasting the match using Sky’s pictures.