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Pakistan National Cricket Team captain Babar Azam has finally addressed the controversy that created tension around the Lord’s Test against the England National Cricket Team.
Babar Azam has strongly denied reports that the Pakistan team had any plan not to return to the field after the lunch break on day one of the second Test that was won by England by 194 runs at Lord’s. Earlier, Pakistan sent Mohammad Rizwan home, probed Imam-ul-Haq, and summoned Mike Hesson after the Lord's Test.
Sky Sports Interview sparks tension in Lord’s Test
The controversy started before the afternoon session on the opening day when a Sky Sports programme featuring Sulaiman Khan and Kasim Khan, the sons of former Pakistan captain and ex-prime minister Imran Khan, was scheduled to be shown during the lunch interval.
This left the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) frustrated, and they had reportedly asked the national team to stay inside the dressing room after lunch if Sky Sports’ planned interview was broadcast. However, Pakistan returned to the field exactly as scheduled, and there was no disruption to the Lord’s Test.
Babar Azam breaks silence on reported boycott threat
After Pakistan suffered a heavy 194-run defeat at Lord’s, Babar Azam was asked directly about the reports. The Pakistan Test skipper made it clear that he had no knowledge of any such discussion inside the team during the second Test against England.
Babar Azam told BBC Test Match Special after the Lord’s Test: “No, no, no. I haven't heard that thing.”
When questioned about whether the players had considered remaining off the field after lunch, Babar Azam simply said he had not heard anything about it. Check the WTC Points Table after England vs Pakistan 2nd Test, 2026.
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
Imran Khan’s sons' interview creates tension
The programme was conducted by former England captain Michael Atherton and focused on the situation surrounding Imran Khan, who has been in prison since 2023.
During the 18-minute interview, his sons discussed concerns about their father's treatment, health and conditions while he remains in prison. The planned broadcast reportedly did not go down well with the PCB, which had concerns about the interview being aired during the Test.
Despite the tension away from the pitch, Pakistan did not take any drastic step. The players came back after lunch and continued the match normally. Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed had also hinted that neither the coaching staff nor the players were aware of any such thing.
PCB reportedly warned players over politics
The PCB, headed by Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Interior Minister in the Pakistani government, was reportedly taking a strict position on political matters involving the Pakistan national cricket team.
With the Imran Khan issue becoming a major talking point during the England tour, reports suggested that PCB chairman Naqvi had instructed players to stay away from political comments during their ongoing three-match Test series in England.
England crush Pakistan at Lord’s
England delivered a commanding performance to win the Lord’s Test by 194 runs and take an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the ongoing three-match Test series against Pakistan.
Chasing a massive target of 389, Pakistan were bowled out for 194. Saud Shakeel showed some resistance as he fell just three runs short of his century. The two teams will now travel to Birmingham for the third and final Test at Edgbaston, starting on September 9.
