The Pakistan Cricket Board has filed a formal complaint with Sky Sports following the broadcaster's decision to air an interview with Imran Khan's sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, during coverage of the opening day of the second Test match at Lord's. The interview featured the former Pakistan prime minister's children discussing concerns about his treatment by the Pakistani government.
Imran Khan, aged 73, has remained in solitary confinement for the past three years. According to reports from international media, Kasim and Sulaiman stated they had received no updates on their father's condition because family members, doctors and legal representatives had been denied access to him for seven months. Pakistan's government has denied these allegations and stated that Khan's most recent contact with his son occurred on 21 March 2026, describing his condition as "oriented and stable."
The exact grounds for the PCB's complaint remain unclear beyond the fact that Sky provided airtime to individuals critical of the Pakistani government. Sky Sports acknowledged receipt of the complaint but declined to offer further comment. The England and Wales Cricket Board has also been informed of the PCB's concerns but similarly refused to comment.
Khan's legal team has characterised his imprisonment conditions as "slow-motion murder," while his sister has alleged he has endured torture while incarcerated. The former prime minister was transferred to a hospital the previous week following a Supreme Court ruling that authorised his temporary release for medical treatment, though he was subsequently returned to custody.
According to international reporting, Amnesty International issued a statement in August 2026 calling on Pakistan to restore Khan's and Bushra Bibi's rights to family and legal contact and to terminate solitary confinement immediately.
International cricket figures voice concerns
Khan's situation has drawn attention from prominent former cricketers worldwide, who have jointly authored two letters advocating for his humane treatment and access to proper medical care. The first letter, published in February, was signed by six former England captains, former India captain Kapil Dev, and former Australian batsmen Adam Gilchrist and Greg Chappell. A second letter was released this week requesting "a full and independent assessment of his health," with particular focus on his right eye.
Khan's legal representatives have stated that he has suffered a loss of 85 percent of vision in his right eye as a consequence of his imprisonment conditions. Notably, no Pakistani cricketers have added their signatures to either letter.
According to reporting, the family's interview with the broadcaster formed part of a broader campaign by Khan's sons, who have been speaking publicly from the United Kingdom regarding his imprisonment and the conditions he faces. In December 2025, the sons had described his cell as a "death cell" and stated he had been held in solitary confinement for more than two years at that time.
Key Facts
- Imran Khan has been held in solitary confinement for three years; his sons report no contact with family, doctors or lawyers for seven months
- His legal team claims he has lost 85 percent of vision in his right eye due to his imprisonment conditions
- Six former England captains, along with former captains from India and Australia, have signed letters demanding his humane treatment and independent health assessment
- The PCB's complaint centres on Sky Sports providing a platform to government critics during Test match coverage
- Amnesty International has called for Pakistan to restore family and legal access and end solitary confinement
