Imran Khan, Pakistan's World Cup-winning captain, has been in jail since 2023 over corruption charges. He has faced several health issues in recent times.
During the coverage of the recently held Lord’s Test between England and Pakistan, Imran’s sons -- Kasim and Sulaiman Khan -- interacted with Michael Atherton for Sky Sports, where they alleged a "blatant" attempt to kill their father in prison, claiming his conditions have severely deteriorated under solitary confinement and that he is being denied critical medical care.
According to multiple reports, the Mohsin Naqvi-led Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) objected to mixing politics with cricket coverage and asked Sky Sports not to air the segment during the lunch break, threatening that players might not return for the afternoon session.
However, the interview was broadcast in the UK. It was omitted from the domestic feed by state broadcaster PTV in Pakistan.
Despite the standoff and intervention involving cricket board discussions, the Pakistan team returned to take the field in the post-lunch session, and the Test match continued normally.
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Imran’s sons reacted to controversy, saying the PCB made ‘absolute fools of themselves’ when they reportedly threatened to abandon the England tour midway.
“They made absolute fools of themselves," Kasim said.
“I was expecting some sort of response," Sulaiman added. “But I didn’t think they would be so tactless as to threaten not to take to the field. It shouldn’t be in the remit of the Pakistan Cricket Board to ask for an interview about an ex-Pakistan player, somebody who lived in England for 22 years, to be taken down. This wasn’t about politics, but about the humanitarian situation and his health."
Earlier, 21 former international cricket captains—including Indian greats Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar—signed a joint letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif demanding immediate, adequate medical care and humane treatment for Imran Khan.
While no former Pakistani cricketers were among the letter's signatories, Imran’s former teammate Javed Miandad has called for his release, describing him as a very honest person. Former wicketkeeper-batter Moin Khan too joined the bandwagon, urging the government to ensure that the legendary cricketer-turned-politician receives the necessary medical treatment.
