Babar Azam Says He Was Unaware of Reported Boycott Threat During Pakistan vs England Test
Pakistan captain Babar Azam has denied reports that the team considered refusing to return to the field following the lunch break on the opening day of the second Test against England at Lord’s.
“No, no, no. I have not heard that thing,” Babar said while speaking to BBC Test Match Special after the end of the Lord’s Test.
When asked further if he was aware of any such conversations, Babar dismissed reports of such a threat as “rumours.”
The controversy emerged after Sky Sports aired an interview with Suleiman and Kasim Khan, the sons of former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan, during the lunch break on the first day of the Test.
Before the interview was broadcast, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had raised the prospect of not resuming the Test at Lord’s and potentially cancelling the remainder of the three-match series. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) also sought advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office over the situation.
Despite the reported disagreement, Pakistan’s players returned to the field as scheduled after the lunch break and the match continued.
In the Sky Sports interview, Suleiman and Kasim expressed concerns about the treatment and security of their father and also criticized the UK government’s response.
Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed had earlier said that he and the players were unaware of the controversy surrounding the interview. Sarfaraz said the team had been having lunch at the time and was focused on the match.
Babar’s comments have now further distanced the Pakistan players from the reported discussions between the PCB and the ECB over the broadcast.
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