LONDON – A cricket broadcast turned politically explosive as PTI chief Imran Khan’s sons made startling claims about their father’s treatment, prompting Pakistan Cricket Board PCB to lodge formal complaint with Sky Sports.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports after Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, were given airtime during the broadcaster’s coverage of the second Test between Pakistan and England at Lord’s. The interview quickly drew attention after the brothers discussed their 73-year-old father’s prolonged imprisonment and alleged treatment by Pakistani authorities.
Michael Atherton speaks with Imran Khan’s sons on Sky Sports during the Lunch Break at Lord’s.
pic.twitter.com/8lrBMNrVuB https://t.co/VWRaclu2vx
— Danish (@PctDanish) August 27, 2026
During the broadcast, Kasim Khan made serious allegations about his father’s safety, claiming authorities were keeping him incarcerated and attempting to silence him.
Khan has spent around three years in prison, including periods of solitary confinement. His lawyers have previously described his prison conditions in extremely serious terms, while his sister has also alleged that he was subjected to mistreatment behind bars.
The former prime minister was transferred to hospital last week after the Supreme Court allowed him temporary release for medical treatment. He was subsequently returned to prison.
Sky Acknowledges PCB Complaint
The exact grounds of the PCB’s complaint have not been made public. However, the dispute appears to relate to Sky Sports providing a platform to Khan’s sons to voice criticism of the Pakistani government during live cricket coverage.
Sky Sports has acknowledged receiving the PCB’s complaint but declined to comment on the matter. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has also been informed of the PCB’s concerns but has similarly declined to issue a statement.
Khan’s prison situation has also attracted international attention from former cricket stars. A group including six former England captains, former India skipper Kapil Dev and Australian greats Adam Gilchrist and Greg Chappell has issued two joint appeals calling for humane treatment and proper medical care for the former Pakistan captain.
Following their first letter in February, the group issued another appeal this week demanding a full and independent assessment of Khan’s health, with particular emphasis on concerns surrounding his right eye.
The controversy now puts the PCB’s complaint to Sky Sports under the spotlight, with the broadcaster yet to publicly explain how it will respond to the board’s objections.
Imran Khan’s sister seeks urgent SC hearing over hospital transfer
