Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has denied having any knowledge of discussions within the team management about boycotting the second Test against England at Lord’s. His comments came after Sky Sports broadcast an interview with the sons of former Pakistan Prime Minister and ex-cricketer Imran Khan, reportedly prompting an objection from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
According to reports, the PCB had threatened to cancel the Lord’s Test and potentially abandon the remainder of Pakistan’s three-match England tour if the interview was aired. However, despite the controversy, the programme was broadcast during the lunch interval on the opening day.
The interview was conducted by former England captain Michael Atherton and focused on concerns raised by Imran Khan’s sons regarding their father’s treatment, health and conditions in prison.
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Pakistan’s players subsequently returned to the field after the interval, with play continuing as scheduled. Speaking to BBC Test Match Special after the conclusion of the Lord’s Test, Babar was asked whether he had heard anything about a possible boycott.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam says he wasn’t aware of any conversations around his team not taking to the field after lunch on day one of the second Test because of an interview that aired with the sons of Imran Khan. pic.twitter.com/bj1SM7at0V
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) August 30, 2026
“No, no, no. I have not heard that thing,” BabarAzam said. When asked again if he was aware of any such discussions, the Pakistan captain simply replied, “No.”
The controversy emerged amid reports that the PCB, led by chairman Mohsin Naqvi, had introduced stricter guidelines for Pakistan’s cricketers during their UK tour. The players were reportedly instructed to avoid making political comments while representing the national team.
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The directive was believed to be linked to the wider controversy surrounding Imran Khan, who remains a prominent political figure in Pakistan. Despite the reported tension between the PCB and broadcasters, the situation did not disrupt the Lord’s Test. Pakistan returned to action after lunch, allowing the match to proceed without any significant interruption.
