PCB Tells Pakistan Cricketers To Stay Silent On Imran Khan’s Imprisonment

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has advised players in the Test squad not to comment publicly on the imprisonment of former captain and 1992 World Cup-winning skipper Imran Khan, amid growing international attention over his continued detention.

The advice came after British media outlets attempted to seek reactions from Pakistan’s cricketers to the political controversy surrounding Imran, who has been held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since 2023 following convictions in corruption cases.

The issue came into sharper focus during the ongoing Test series against England after Sky Sports aired an interview with Imran’s sons, Kassim and Suleman, with former England captain Mike Atherton. The interview was broadcast during the lunch interval on the second day of the second Test at Lord’s.

Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was subsequently asked whether members of the team had watched the interview. He said the players were having lunch and were unaware of it.

“No, we don't know anything about it, we were having lunch,” Sarfaraz said when questioned about reports that the PCB had threatened not to send the team back onto the field if the interview was broadcast.

According to a PCB source, the board was unhappy with the interview because it considered the subject political. However, the matter was not allowed to disrupt the series, particularly with the Pakistan team due to attend a reception hosted by Prince Charles on September 2 and amid the existing diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Britain.

The controversy comes as international attention surrounding Imran’s condition and imprisonment continues to grow. His family has raised concerns about his health, while several former international cricketers have also spoken about his detention.

Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad, one of Imran’s former teammates, has made an emotional appeal for his release, describing him as an honest person.

On the cricketing front, Pakistan are seeking to recover from a heavy defeat in the opening Test, which England won by an innings and 103 runs. The third Test is scheduled to begin in Birmingham on September 9.