Imran Khan's sons' jail claims anger Pakistan PCB

The Cliff News | 28 August 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly threatened to withdraw its players from a match at Lord's if Sky Sports proceeded to broadcast an interview with the sons of former Pakistan Prime Minister and cricket captain, Imran Khan. The interview, which focused on the health and conditions of the imprisoned Imran Khan, was ultimately aired after a delay, but the PCB's swift and strong objection highlighted the sensitivity surrounding the former leader.

The 18-minute interview, conducted by renowned former England captain and broadcaster Mike Atherton, took place inside the historic Lord's Pavilion. It delved deeply into the well-being of Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated since August 2023. According to reports by Cricinfo, the PCB contacted Sky Sports before the lunch interval to voice its protest, issuing a threat that Pakistan's players would not resume play if the segment was broadcast.

PCB's Objection and Sky Sports' Response

Sky Sports subsequently postponed the airing of the interview, eventually broadcasting it during the lunch break. By the time the segment concluded at 2:40 pm, Pakistan's players were preparing to return to the field for the afternoon session. The PCB's primary concern, it was understood, revolved around the distinctly political nature of the conversation between Imran Khan's sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, and the potential implications of airing such content during a live cricket broadcast.

However, a closer examination of the interview's content reveals a particularly explosive allegation that likely contributed to the PCB's desperate efforts to prevent its broadcast. The brothers spoke candidly about their father's deteriorating situation, painting a grim picture of his confinement.

"Blatantly Trying to Kill Him" Allegation

Sulaiman Khan explained that the family's increased vocalization stemmed from an initial belief that Imran Khan's imprisonment would be brief. This perspective shifted as time passed. He detailed assassination attempts on his father, including the 2022 incident where Imran Khan was shot in the leg. This led to a growing sense of helplessness within the family, culminating in a serious accusation.

“It’s very, very clear what they’re doing, which is they’re just blatantly trying to kill him in there,” Sulaiman stated during the interview. “They just want to keep him in there as long as possible and hopefully just silence him.”

This extraordinary assertion, made on an international platform, directed intense scrutiny towards Pakistani authorities. The brothers further elaborated on the allegedly worsening conditions within Adiala Jail, stating that their father was subjected to over 23 hours of daily isolation.

Health Concerns and Inadequate Treatment

The sons also raised significant concerns regarding Imran Khan's eyesight, with Sulaiman claiming a loss of approximately 80 per cent vision in one eye. He asserted that his father had complained about this issue for months without receiving what the family deemed adequate medical attention. This specific allegation, while not confirmed as the sole reason for the PCB's threat, undoubtedly presented a formidable challenge for the board to ignore.

The PCB's objection was reportedly to the interview as a whole and the intrusion of political themes into live Test coverage. It remains unclear if the PCB had viewed the complete interview prior to lodging its complaint with Sky Sports.

Questioning Medical Assessments

The brothers' account suggested a pattern of obstructed access to independent medical care. They questioned why their father had not been examined by independent doctors. A recent Supreme Court order mandating that Imran Khan be taken to a private hospital for assessment and treatment, according to Sulaiman, was not fully adhered to.

Instead, Imran Khan was reportedly taken to a government medical facility, examined by government-selected doctors for about an hour, and then returned to prison. Sulaiman emphasized, “He still hasn’t been properly checked up by an unbiased, independent physician or doctor. And it just makes us think, what are they hiding? Why are they so fearful of allowing him to get reported on by an unbiased, neutral doctor?”

Inability to Visit Father

Sulaiman and Kasim revealed that they have not seen their father since November 2022, shortly after the assassination attempt. Their last conversation with him was in March, roughly five to six months before the Sky Sports interview, with subsequent "radio silence." Family members in Pakistan had also reportedly been unable to visit Imran Khan for 10 months until the week prior, despite court orders allowing weekly visits.

The sons themselves claimed repeated attempts to obtain visas to travel to Pakistan have been stalled or rejected on technical grounds, leading them to believe the authorities did not wish for their presence. Despite the potential risk of arrest, Sulaiman stated their priority was simply to see their father, even with minimal publicity.

Direct Criticism of Pakistan's Establishment

The brothers also commented on the perceived lack of response from the UK government and explained their view on why Pakistani cricketers have been hesitant to speak out. Sulaiman acknowledged that while many former players hold Imran Khan in high regard, speaking openly is difficult under what he described as a "military dictatorship" with a crackdown on dissent.

When asked if they regretted their father's choice to enter politics rather than pursue a more straightforward post-cricket career, Sulaiman expressed no such regret. He highlighted Imran Khan's commitment to fighting corruption, alleviating poverty, and improving Pakistan, admiring his father's ambition and drive above all else.

Official Responses

The Pakistan government has refuted allegations of mistreatment or medical neglect. A statement indicated that Imran Khan is being held as a convicted prisoner in a secure compound with exercise facilities, access to home-cooked meals, books, and television. The government also claimed he has received over 900 visits since his imprisonment in 2023 and was deemed medically fit upon his return to prison after medical examinations.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated that Pakistan's judicial processes are an internal matter, with the UK not interfering. However, they confirmed that UK ministers have consistently raised the need for Pakistan to uphold its constitution and international human rights obligations, including concerning Imran Khan.

Enduring Support for Pakistan Cricket

Despite the gravity of their father's situation, the brothers maintained their allegiance to the Pakistan cricket team. Born in England, both Sulaiman and Kasim confirmed they would be supporting Pakistan at Lord's, underscoring their enduring connection to their father's sporting legacy.