‘This has got to be a joke’ – Usman Khawaja reacts to PCB’s potential boycott over interview

The Pakistan Cricket Board lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports after the broadcaster aired an interview with Imran Khan’s sons during the lunch interval on the opening day of the Lord’s Test. The PCB considered withdrawing Pakistan from the field after the break as a protest against the segment being broadcast on the international feed.

Mike Atherton interviewed in the Writers’ Room at Lord’s on Wednesday, August 26 morning, with Imran Khan’s sons Suleiman and Kasim expressing concern about the health of their father, who has been imprisoned for three years.

The PCB reportedly contacted Sky ahead of the lunch break to lodge its protest, stating that players would not return to the field after lunch if the interview aired. In Pakistan, PTV, which is broadcasting the series, did not air the interview.

Khawaja gives a strong reaction

Reacting to these developments, Pakistan-born Australian batter Usman Khawaja reacted to reports of the PCB’s complaint over Sky Sports’ broadcast of the interview. Taking to social media, he gave away his thoughts.

“This has got to be a joke,” Khawaja wrote on social media.

The interview came amid ongoing concerns about Imran Khan’s well-being. Pakistan’s Supreme Court had ordered Imran admitted to Shifa Hospital in Islamabad, but instead he was taken to state-run PIMS and returned to prison shortly after a check-up. The 73-year-old former World Cup-winning captain has been imprisoned for three years.

Earlier, Mike Atherton and 20 other former captains, including Sunil Gavaskar, addressed a letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif requesting proper medical care for Imran. The letter highlighted international concern about the former cricketer’s health and detention. Australia’s current Test skipper Pat Cummins, too, voiced his concerns over the situation on social media.

England dominating the visitors

England ended Day 2 of the second Test in a commanding position after reaching 81/3 in 22 overs in their second innings. Having bowled Pakistan out for just 110 in the first innings, England now hold a 261-run lead at stumps.