Sarfaraz denies knowing about PCB’s threat to end England tour

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

Sky Sports had aired an interview with Imran’s sons Suleiman Khan and Kasim Khan, which was conducted by broadcaster and former England captain Michael Atherton, during the lunch break on the opening day of the second Test here at Lord’s. Imran’s sons had expressed their concern about the health of the former Pakistan captain in the interview, who has been in prison for three years, saying that they feared for his life. The 39-year-old Sarfaraz, who last played for Pakistan in December 2023, said at the end of 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 of 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 while 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 their “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.