PCB complains about Atherton's interview with Imran Khan's sons

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did not take kindly to Michael Atherton interviewing the two sons of former Pakistan captain and prime minister during the lunch interval of the first Test at Lord's.

According to Cricinfo, the Pakistan board has already lodged a complaint with the broadcaster Sky Sports, and the development created an unusual off-field flashpoint during the opening day.

The same Cricinfo report stated that the PCB reportedly considered whether Pakistan's players should stay off the field for the start of the second session as a mark of protest.

The interview was conducted by a former England captain and Sky Sports commentator yesterday, and he spoke to Imran's sons, Suleiman Khan and Kasim Khan.

During the 18-minute conversation, the brothers spoke about their father's health and voiced fears over his safety, while also highlighting their ongoing efforts to secure appropriate medical treatment for him.

According to Cricinfo, the PCB had contacted Sky Sports before lunch to object to the planned broadcast. The board is understood to have warned that Pakistan's players could refuse to return to the field after the interval if the interview was shown. Sky subsequently held back the segment before eventually broadcasting it during the lunch break.

Atherton had recorded the interview with Suleiman and Kasim earlier on Wednesday at Lord's, with Sky Sports also using a preview of the conversation ahead of the Test. The interview, however, was not shown in Pakistan, where state broadcaster PTV holds the television rights for the series.

The broadcast comes against the backdrop of mounting concern surrounding Imran's condition in prison. His sons have become increasingly vocal in recent weeks as they seek greater access to medical care for their father, who has been incarcerated for around three years.