Usman Khawaja Calls PCB’s Potential Boycott a ‘Joke’
Reacting to these developments, Pakistan-born Australian batter Usman Khawaja responded to news of the PCB’s complaint about Sky Sports’ broadcast of the interview. He shared his ideas on social media.
The Pakistan Cricket Board filed a formal complaint with Sky Sports after the broadcaster aired an interview with Imran Khan’s sons during the lunch break on the first day of the Lord’s Test.
The PCB considered pulling Pakistan from the pitch after the break in protest of the part being aired on the international stream.
Mike Atherton conducted an interview in the Writers’ Room at Lord’s on Wednesday, August 26 morning, with Imran Khan’s sons Suleiman and Kasim expressing concern about their father’s health after being imprisoned for three years.
The PCB reportedly phoned Sky ahead of the lunch break to protest, claiming that if the interview aired, the players would not return to the pitch. The interview was not shown by Pakistan’s PTV, which airs the series.
Khawaja gives a powerful reaction.
The interview came amid continued concerns about Imran Khan’s health. Imran was ordered by Pakistan’s Supreme Court to be admitted to Shifa Hospital in Islamabad, but he was instead taken to the state-run PIMS and returned to prison following a check-up. The 73-year-old former World Cup-winning captain has been in prison for three years.
Mike Atherton and 20 other former captains, including Sunil Gavaskar, had already written to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, asking proper medical care for Imran.
The letter expressed international concern over the former cricketer’s health and arrest. Pat Cummins, Australia’s current Test captain, also expressed his concerns about the issue on social media.
England dominated the visitors.
England started Day 2 of the second Test in dominance, scoring 81/3 in 22 overs in their second innings. After bowling Pakistan out for 110 in the first innings, England leads by 261 runs at stumps.
