Sarfaraz Ahmed Says Pakistan Players Were Unaware of Reported Lord’s Test Boycott Threat
London, August 29, 2026: Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has revealed that he and the national team were unaware of a reported Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) warning that the side could withdraw from the Lord’s Test against England.
The controversy developed during the lunch interval on the opening day of the second Test after Sky Sports broadcast an interview with Suleiman and Kasim Khan, the sons of former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan. Reports said the PCB had objected to the broadcast and considered the possibility of stopping Pakistan from returning to the field.
Despite the tension, Pakistan resumed play after lunch and the Test continued normally.
Sarfaraz Unaware of the Dispute
Speaking to reporters after the second day’s play, Sarfaraz indicated that the issue had not reached the Pakistan dressing room.
The coach said his attention was concentrated on the Test and that neither he nor the players had been involved in discussions surrounding the interview.
When asked whether there had been any possibility of Pakistan refusing to return for the afternoon session, Sarfaraz dismissed the suggestion and indicated that the players were simply having lunch at the time.
His comments suggest that the reported disagreement remained primarily a matter between cricket administrators and the broadcaster rather than something that directly affected the players.
What Triggered the Controversy?
The dispute centred on a pre-recorded Sky Sports interview conducted by former England captain Michael Atherton.
During the conversation, Imran Khan’s sons discussed their father’s situation, including concerns about his treatment and health while in custody. They also questioned the response of the British government to the circumstances surrounding the former Pakistan leader.
The PCB reportedly objected to the political nature of the interview being shown during cricket coverage and communicated its concerns to Sky Sports.
Reports subsequently emerged that Pakistan could consider abandoning the Lord’s Test and potentially the remainder of the three-match England tour if the segment was broadcast.
Sky Sports Eventually Broadcast the Interview
Sky Sports initially delayed the segment following the reported objections but ultimately aired the interview during the lunch period.
The decision created an unusual situation around a major international Test match, with the possibility of a dispute affecting the continuation of play.
However, Pakistan’s players returned to the field for the afternoon session. There was no walkout, and the match continued as scheduled.
Different Coverage in Pakistan
The controversy also produced different broadcasts for viewers in England and Pakistan.
Pakistan’s state broadcaster PTV was using Sky’s international match feed but did not show the interview featuring Imran Khan’s sons.
As a result, viewers watching the Test in Pakistan did not receive the same segment that was shown to Sky Sports audiences.
The episode demonstrated how cricket broadcasting can become complicated when sporting events overlap with politically sensitive issues.
PCB Chairman’s Dual Role Adds Political Dimension
The controversy has attracted additional attention because PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi also holds the position of Pakistan’s interior minister.
That dual role has placed the cricket board at the centre of an issue involving both sport and politics.
Imran Khan remains a major figure in Pakistan’s cricket history. He captained the country to its first men’s ODI World Cup title in 1992 before later entering politics and becoming prime minister.
The circumstances surrounding his imprisonment have remained politically contentious, with supporters and critics offering sharply different views.
Pakistan Remain Focused on the Test
While the controversy generated headlines away from the pitch, Pakistan’s immediate priority remains the Lord’s Test.
England moved into a strong position by the end of the second day, leaving Pakistan facing a significant challenge in the ongoing match.
For Sarfaraz and his players, the reported dispute did not become a dressing-room issue. The coach’s comments indicate that the team remained focused on its sporting responsibilities while the disagreement played out between officials and broadcasters.
The episode nevertheless adds another unusual chapter to Pakistan’s cricketing history, particularly because the reported possibility of a mid-Test withdrawal never materialised.
Pakistan ultimately returned to the field, while Sarfaraz Ahmed’s comments made clear that the players themselves were largely unaware of the drama unfolding around them.
