Watch: "I have not…" – Babar Azam breaks silence on alleged Lord's Test boycott threat against England

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has denied reports that the team had considered boycotting the Lord’s Test against England. The controversy began after Sky Sports aired an interview with Imran Khan’s sons, Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, during the lunch break on Day 1.

Reports claimed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was unhappy with the broadcast and had considered taking strong action. There were also reports that Pakistan could refuse to return to the field for the second session. However, Babar said he had not heard anything from the team management about a possible boycott.

Babar was asked about the issue during the Test and made it clear that the players were not involved in any such discussion. The Pakistan captain also denied having any knowledge of a plan to abandon the match or the tour. 

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Pakistan reportedly mulled returning to the field after lunch over Imran Khan's sons' Interview

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly considered a strong response after Sky Sports planned to air an interview with Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, the sons of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Reports claimed that the PCB even threatened to cancel the Lord’s Test and abandon the rest of the three-match tour if the interview was broadcast.

The interview was scheduled to be shown during the lunch break on Day 1 of the Lord’s Test. According to reports, the PCB was unhappy with the decision and considered not sending the Pakistan team back onto the field for the second session if Sky Sports aired the interview.

See also -Watch: "Na khelna aata hai, na sharam" — Netizens mock Babar Azam after embarrassing dismissal by Jofra Archer at Lord's

However, a version of the interview was eventually broadcast, and the Pakistan players returned to the field after lunch to resume the Test. Babar Azam later said that he had not heard anything about a possible boycott from the team management and denied having any knowledge of such a plan.

"No, No, No" — Babar's BBC response to boycott reports after Pakistan's 194-run Lord's defeat

Babar Azam has denied having any knowledge of reports that Pakistan considered boycotting the Lord’s Test against England. Speaking to BBC Test Match Special after Pakistan’s 194-run defeat at Lord’s, Babar was asked about the alleged boycott and replied, “No, no, no. I have not heard that thing.” When asked again, he simply said, “No.”

The controversy began after an 18-minute interview with Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim and Suleman Khan, conducted by former England captain Michael Atherton. The interview was broadcast by Sky Sports during the lunch break on Day 1. Despite the reports about a possible boycott, Pakistan returned to the field after lunch and the Test continued as scheduled.

See also -Watch: Babar Azam's bullseye direct hit runs out Josh Tongue in ENG vs PAK 2nd Test at Lord's

Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was also asked about the interview and the reported PCB threat. He said the players did not know anything about the issue because they were having lunch at the time. “No, we don't know anything about it, we were having lunch,” Sarfaraz said.

Fans react to Babar Azam's boycott denial — Mixed response as PCB-Sky Sports row continues

Fans have reacted to Babar Azam’s denial of the reported boycott plan during Pakistan’s Test against England at Lord’s. His comments have received a mixed response on social media, with some fans supporting the Pakistan captain while others continued to question the controversy involving the PCB and Sky Sports. Here is how the fans reacted on X:

The issue has also attracted attention from cricket figures outside Pakistan. Several cricketers have reportedly spoken about Imran Khan’s situation and called for better healthcare for the former Pakistan captain. Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad also appealed to the authorities to release Imran, describing him as an honest person.

The PCB-Sky Sports row has continued to draw attention after the broadcaster aired an interview with Imran Khan’s sons. According to reports, the PCB was unhappy with the interview but decided not to prolong the matter and allowed the Pakistan team to continue the Test as scheduled.