British-Pakistani journalist Azhar Javaid has filed a formal complaint with United Kingdom (UK) media regulator Ofcom over Sky Sports’ controversial interview with former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sons.
Javaid said the complaint seeks a review of the program under UK broadcasting standards concerning due impartiality, due accuracy, and fairness.
The complaint comes amid an ongoing row over Sky Sports’ decision to air a pre-recorded interview with Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, during the second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord’s.
The interview, conducted by former England captain Michael Atherton, was broadcast during the lunch interval and focused on concerns raised by the brothers about their father’s health and conditions in prison.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly objected to political content being aired during the cricket broadcast and tried to prevent the interview from going on air. Reports said the board also warned that Pakistan’s players could remain in the dressing room rather than return for the afternoon session if the segment was broadcast.
Sky Sports initially delayed the interview but eventually aired it during the lunch break. Pakistan later returned to the field following discussions involving the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and the match continued.
The PCB subsequently lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports over the broadcast. The matter was also reportedly raised with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Javaid has now taken the issue to Ofcom, arguing that serious and contested allegations concerning Pakistan and its state institutions were broadcast during a major international cricket event.
He said his concern was whether the program provided adequate context and gave relevant Pakistani authorities a fair opportunity to respond.
Javaid stressed that his complaint was not aimed at restricting freedom of expression or stopping journalists from conducting interviews.
“This is about editorial responsibility, accuracy, impartiality and fairness when serious political allegations are broadcast to an international audience,” he said.
He has asked Ofcom to independently examine the interview, the questions asked by Atherton, the allegations made during the program, and whether Sky Sports provided an appropriate opportunity for the other side to respond.
Javaid said the UK regulator should determine whether the required broadcasting standards were followed.
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