Sarfaraz Denies Knowledge of Interview Talks

Pakistan coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said he was unaware of any negotiations between the Pakistan Cricket Board and the England and Wales Cricket Board regarding the pre-recorded interview with Imran Khan’s kids, which aired during the second Test at Lord’s.

Former England captain Mike Atherton conducted the interview, which featured Imran Khan’s sons Suleiman and Kasim Khan, who voiced worries about their father’s health and worsening eyesight while he is still in prison in Pakistan.

The PCB allegedly considered withdrawing its players from the pitch after the lunch break on the first day of the second Test, but Sky Sports broadcast the interview despite the board’s protests. Sky Sports delayed the show, eventually airing the 18-minute interview during the lunch break.

Following the intervention of the England Cricket Board, the PCB settled its protest, and the Pakistani squad returned to the pitch for the afternoon session.

Sarfaraz claims to have no awareness of board talks.

When pressed further on the matter, the Pakistan coach appeared uncomfortable with the line of questions and tried to turn the conversation back to cricket.

The issue occurred against the backdrop of Pakistan’s tough performance in the match, which saw the team fold for 110 in their first innings, allowing England to take a 261-run advantage on the second day.

Despite the incident, the coach shifts his focus to cricket.

Sarfaraz said that the Pakistan squad was ignorant of the broadcast during the lunch break, when the players were off the pitch. He emphasised that the squad’s only concentration is on cricket and the present Lord’s Test. Everyone is OK. We were having lunch at the time,” he explained.

England enhanced their advantage on Day 2 of the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s, leading by 261 runs at stumps. After dismissing Pakistan for 110, England scored 81/3 in 22 overs in their second innings, with a current run rate of 3.68.