Pakistan captain Babar Azam has denied reports that the Pakistan team considered refusing to return to the field during the Lord’s Test against England because of a controversy involving Sky Sports and the sons of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan.
Speaking after Pakistan’s 194-run defeat to England on Sunday, Babar said he was not aware of any discussion inside the dressing room about staying off the field after the lunch break on the opening day.
“No, no, no. I haven't heard that thing,” Babar told BBC Test Match Special when asked about the reported plan. When he was asked again whether he knew about such discussions, the Pakistan captain simply replied, “No.”
The controversy began after Sky Sports planned to broadcast an interview with Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, the sons of Imran Khan. The interview was conducted by former England captain Michael Atherton and focused on concerns about their father’s health, treatment and conditions while he remains in prison.
Reports had claimed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was unhappy with the planned broadcast and had discussed the possibility of the team not returning for the afternoon session if the interview went ahead.
However, the interview was eventually shown during the lunch interval on the first day. Pakistan players returned to the field as scheduled, and there was no disruption to the Test match.
Babar’s comments are similar to those made by Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, who had also said that he and the players were unaware of any reported threat to stop the match.
The controversy comes amid reports that the PCB has instructed Pakistan players to avoid political comments during their tour of England. The board’s position reportedly followed the growing attention around Imran Khan and the Sky Sports interview.
On the field, England comfortably completed a 194-run victory at Lord’s. Chasing a target of 389, Pakistan were bowled out for 194. Saud Shakeel narrowly missed a century, finishing three runs short of the milestone.
Pakistan were also affected by the absence of opener Imam-ul-Haq, who suffered a calf injury on the first day and was unable to return to the crease.
The victory gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Test series. It also marked England’s first Test series win since December 2024.
The teams will now travel to Birmingham for the final Test at Edgbaston, beginning on September 9. While the series result is already decided, the match will give both sides an opportunity to finish the tour strongly.
For Pakistan, the focus will be on improving their performance on the field and putting the controversy surrounding Imran Khan and the PCB behind them.
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