Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said he and his players were unaware of an alleged Pakistan Cricket Board threat to end the England tour over Sky Sports’ interview with Imran Khan’s sons. The dispute did not interrupt play beyond lunch on the first day of the Lord’s Test, but it highlights the political sensitivity surrounding the imprisoned former Pakistan captain and prime minister.

Sky broadcast a version of an interview in which Suleiman and Kasim Khan raised concerns about their father’s treatment and criticised the UK government’s response; Imran Khan has been jailed since 2023 on corruption charges he denies. The ECB sought Foreign Office advice, while Pakistan’s PTV, which uses Sky’s match feed, did not show the interview; England ended day two 261 runs ahead at 81-3.