Sarfaraz Denies Pakistan Knew of Lord’s Boycott Threat

Sarfaraz Ahmed said Pakistan’s players did not know about a reported threat to end their Test at Lord’s after Sky Sports aired an interview with the sons of former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan.

It is understood that the Pakistan Cricket Board raised the prospect of cancelling the Test at Lord’s and the remainder of the three-match tour if the interview was broadcast. A version of the interview was aired during lunch on the first day of the second Test, but Pakistan returned to the field after the interval and the match continued.

Speaking at the end of day two, former Pakistan wicketkeeper Sarfaraz said his focus remained on the cricket. “I don’t know anything. I’m just focusing on the match,” he said when asked about the situation.

Asked specifically about the interview, Sarfaraz added: “We don’t know about the interview.” He was also asked whether there had been a possibility that Pakistan would not return for the afternoon session on day one. “All are OK. We were having lunch at that time,” he said.

Interview triggers tension during Lord’s Test

The interview featured Suleiman and Kasim Khan, the sons of Imran Khan, and was conducted by former England captain Michael Atherton. During the broadcast, Suleiman and Kasim voiced concerns about the treatment and security of their father and criticised the UK government’s response.

Imran Khan had a 21-year international career for Pakistan and led the side to World Cup success in 1992. He later served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 until 2022. Since 2023, Khan has been in jail on corruption charges, which he denies.

Before the interview was broadcast, Sky received a complaint about the plan to air it. The tension prompted the England and Wales Cricket Board to seek government advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The match is being shown in Pakistan by public broadcaster PTV using Sky’s pictures. PTV did not air the interview. The source also reported that Sky received no further complaints on Friday in relation to the broadcast.

The episode put the focus briefly beyond the contest itself, given the reported possibility of a cancellation. Pakistan’s decision to return after lunch meant the second Test proceeded, rather than becoming a repeat of the rare circumstances in which a Test match has been forfeited.

By the close of the second day, England were 81-3 in their second innings and held a lead of 261 runs. The Test therefore remained active despite the off-field issue surrounding the interview.

Tour continues after rare Test-forfeit precedent

The situation carried additional significance because Pakistan have been involved in the only Test forfeit in the format’s history. In 2006, a Test between England and Pakistan at The Oval was abandoned after Pakistan were accused of ball tampering. Pakistan were adjudged to have forfeited the match after refusing to resume play following tea on the fourth day.

At Lord’s, however, the tourists resumed after lunch and play continued through the end of day two. Sarfaraz’s comments indicated that the players were not aware of the reported boycott threat while they were having lunch.

The current series is part of an active schedule between the two countries. England are due to tour Pakistan in October for a one-day tri-series involving the hosts and Sri Lanka. It will be England’s fourth separate tour of Pakistan in the past four years, following a 17-year gap between visits because of security concerns.

For the immediate moment, the Lord’s Test remains defined on the field by England’s 261-run advantage, while the reported dispute over the interview has not stopped the match from continuing.