Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has denied reports that the team considered refusing to return to the field after lunch on Day 1 of the Lord’s Test amid the controversy surrounding a Sky Sports interview with Imran Khan’s sons. Babar said he had no knowledge of any such discussion when asked about the reports after Pakistan’s defeat.
England beat Pakistan by 194 runs at Lord’s on Sunday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Speaking after the match, Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam was asked whether there had been any conversation within the Pakistan camp about not taking the field after the lunch break on the opening day.
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“No, no. I have not heard that thing,” Babar said.
When pressed on whether he was aware of any discussions surrounding the matter, Babar again indicated that he had no knowledge of them.
“No, I have not heard anything about that,” Babar said.
His comments come after reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board had threatened not to send the team back onto the field if Sky Sports aired an interview with Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, the sons of former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan. The interview, conducted by former England captain Michael Atherton, was eventually broadcast during the lunch interval, with Pakistan returning for the afternoon session as scheduled.
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The controversy emerged during the lunch break on the opening day, when Sky Sports aired the pre-recorded interview. The PCB had reportedly complained to the broadcaster over the segment, which focused on concerns surrounding Imran Khan’s treatment and health.
Babar’s comments are also in line with remarks made earlier by Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, who said he and the players were unaware of the reported threat and remained focused on the match.
Despite the off-field dispute, Pakistan returned after lunch and the Test continued without interruption. England eventually secured a comprehensive victory, leaving Pakistan 2-0 down in the series with one match remaining.
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Pakistan’s latest defeat followed another difficult batting display. Chasing 389 for victory, they were bowled out for 194, with Saud Shakeel providing the main resistance before falling for 97.
Shakeel and Shan Masood had added 97 after Pakistan slipped to 14-3, frustrating England for almost four hours. Ollie Robinson eventually broke the partnership and went on to finish with four wickets in the innings and eight in the match.
England needed only 18 wickets to complete the victory after Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq was unable to bat again following a calf injury suffered on the first day.
The result gave England their first Test series victory since December 2024 and put them 2-0 ahead with the third and final Test still to come. Pakistan will now travel to Birmingham for the series finale at Edgbaston, beginning on September 9.
– Ends
