Pakistan captain Babar Azam has denied reports that the team considered refusing to return to the field after lunch on the opening day of the second Test against England at Lord’s.
Babar addressed the reports after the Test ended at Lord’s.
“No, no, no. I have not heard that thing,” Babar told BBC Test Match Special.
The Pakistan captain also dismissed reports about a possible threat to stop playing as “rumours.”
Controversy Over Imran Khan Sons’ Interview
The controversy started when Sky Sports aired an interview with Suleiman and Kasim Khan during the lunch break.
The two are the sons of former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan.
The interview took place during the first day of the second Test at Lord’s.
Suleiman and Kasim discussed their father’s treatment and security. They also criticized the UK government’s response to his situation.
The interview created tension between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
PCB Raised Concerns Over Broadcast
Reports claimed that the PCB objected to the political content of the interview.
The board reportedly considered not sending the Pakistan players back onto the field.
The PCB also reportedly discussed the possibility of cancelling the rest of the three-match Test series.
The ECB sought advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office over the issue.
Despite the disagreement, Pakistan returned to the field after lunch.
The match continued without a major disruption.
Sarfaraz Ahmed Also Denied Knowledge
Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed had earlier said that he knew nothing about the reported dispute.
He said the players were having lunch when the interview aired.
According to Sarfaraz, the team remained focused on the Test match.
Babar has now made similar comments.
His statement further distances the Pakistan players from the reported discussions between the PCB and ECB.
The controversy remains focused on the cricket board’s response to the Sky Sports broadcast rather than the players on the field.
