LONDON: An interview with the sons of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan aired by Sky Sports during the second Test between Pakistan and England has sparked a debate over whether political issues should be kept separate from cricket.
The interview with Imran Khan’s sons, Qasim and Sulaiman Khan, was broadcast during the lunch break on the opening day of the Test at Lord’s.
Several Pakistani political figures and commentators criticised the interview, arguing that cricket coverage should remain separate from political disputes.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry accused what he described as a “Jewish lobby” of running a campaign in support of Imran Khan. He also disputed claims about the former prime minister’s treatment in prison, making comments about his diet and health.
Another PML-N politician, Nasir Butt, criticised Imran Khan’s sons for not visiting their father in Pakistan. He questioned their criticism from abroad and said they should visit their father if they wanted to raise concerns about his situation.
PML-N lawmaker Shaista Jadoon also criticised the interview, saying sporting events should focus on cricket and not political interviews. She said Pakistan already faced a number of social problems that required attention.
Journalist and political commentator Ammar Masood said cricket should be kept separate from politics and described the broadcast of the interview as appearing politically motivated. He also referred to calls for Pakistan to face action from the International Cricket Council (ICC) over political disagreements.
Calling for Pakistan’s suspension from the ICC over political differences crosses a disturbing line. Criticise the government, PCB or its leadership all you want but campaigning for your own country to be internationally isolated is shameful. Political loyalty should never come… pic.twitter.com/t3kxwhUZgI
— Ammar Masood (@ammarmasood3) August 29, 2026
Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif also criticised Sky News’ coverage, alleging that efforts were under way to revive what he called the “Imran Khan project”.
The Zionist lobby is at work.
Pakistan is perceived as a threat for its efforts to unite the Muslim Ummah.
There is now an attempt to revive and relaunch the “Imran Khan project”. https://t.co/Y3Is0BN5T7— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) August 28, 2026
In a post on X, Asif also questioned whether Sky News would broadcast interviews with children of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
The controversy comes after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports over the interview with Imran Khan’s sons during coverage of the second Test at Lord’s.
The Guardian reported that the complaint was related to the interview with Qasim and Sulaiman Khan, which was broadcast during the first day of the Test.
The episode has renewed debate in Pakistan over the separation of sport and politics, as well as the role of broadcasters in covering politically sensitive issues during major sporting events.
