The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) reportedly sought assistance from the UK government after concerns emerged that Pakistan could refuse to resume the second Test at Lord’s following a controversial Sky Sports interview involving the sons of former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan. ECB chief executive Richard Gould is understood to have contacted Foreign Office officials as the dispute threatened to disrupt the match.

The controversy centred on an 18-minute interview with Imran Khan’s sons, Suleiman and Kasim Khan, conducted by former England captain Michael Atherton. The pair discussed their father’s situation, raised concerns about his safety and criticised the UK government’s handling of the matter. The interview was scheduled to be broadcast by Sky Sports during the lunch interval of the Test.

Tensions reportedly increased as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) indicated that the team could refuse to return to the field if the interview was broadcast. The ECB became concerned about the possibility of a major disruption and sought advice from the Foreign Office in case the reported threat materialised. The situation added a diplomatic dimension to an already tense cricketing contest.

Also Read: PCB Challenges Sky Sports Over Imran Khan’s Sons Interview During Lord’s Test Match

The ECB was also reportedly mindful of Pakistan’s controversial Test history in England. During the 2006 Test at The Oval, Pakistan did not return to the field after tea following a dispute over a ball-tampering decision. England were subsequently awarded the match, which remains the only Test to have been forfeited.

The immediate crisis was ultimately avoided after Sky Sports delayed the interview until later in the lunch interval. By the time the programme was broadcast, Pakistan’s players were ready to return for the second session. In Pakistan, the broadcast was handled differently, with PTV replacing the interview segment with advertisements while continuing to use Sky Sports' match coverage.

On the field, England remained in a strong position in the second Test after taking a substantial lead. Pakistan were dismissed for 110 in their first innings, with Ollie Robinson claiming four wickets, leaving England 261 runs ahead. The episode surrounding the interview nevertheless created unusual political and diplomatic tensions during the Test.

Also Read: Sarfaraz Ahmed Put On The Spot As Imran Khan Sons’ Issue Dominates Media Interaction