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Sports
PCB threatens player protest over Sky Sports interview with Imran Khan's sons
✍️ Times of India
🗓 28 Aug 2026, 08:28 AM
👁 8
The Pakistan Cricket Board warned that its players could stage a protest after Sky Sports aired an interview with Imran Khan’s sons discussing their father’s health while he remains in custody.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a formal notice stating that its contracted players may refuse to participate in upcoming fixtures if Sky Sports continues to broadcast the interview with Imran Khan’s sons. The board described the interview as a breach of cricketing protocol and warned that any further airing could trigger a collective player protest.
The interview, conducted by former England captain Alastair "Aussie" Atherton, focused on the health and safety concerns of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated. Sky Sports initially postponed the segment but later aired it during the lunch break of a live match, allowing viewers to hear the sons discuss their father's medical condition and access to treatment.
The controversy follows a recent Supreme Court order that permitted Khan’s limited hospital admission, intensifying public scrutiny of his wellbeing. PCB officials said the interview politicised a sporting platform and could distract from the game, prompting the threat of player action.
If the players do protest, the PCB indicated that it would seek disciplinary measures, while also urging broadcasters to respect the board’s stance on keeping cricket free from political interference.
The interview, conducted by former England captain Alastair "Aussie" Atherton, focused on the health and safety concerns of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated. Sky Sports initially postponed the segment but later aired it during the lunch break of a live match, allowing viewers to hear the sons discuss their father's medical condition and access to treatment.
The controversy follows a recent Supreme Court order that permitted Khan’s limited hospital admission, intensifying public scrutiny of his wellbeing. PCB officials said the interview politicised a sporting platform and could distract from the game, prompting the threat of player action.
If the players do protest, the PCB indicated that it would seek disciplinary measures, while also urging broadcasters to respect the board’s stance on keeping cricket free from political interference.