Pakistan Test team head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has said he had no knowledge of the interview featuring former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sons during the ongoing Test between Pakistan and England at Lord’s.
British broadcaster aired the interview during the lunch break on the opening day. Former England captain Michael Atherton interviewed Qasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan.
Reports Claimed PCB Was Unhappy
Media reports claimed that the interview caused displeasure within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Some reports also suggested that Pakistan’s players were reluctant to return to the field after the lunch interval.
However, Sarfaraz rejected any suggestion that the interview affected the team’s preparations.
Team Returned to the Field as Usual
Speaking after the second day’s play, Sarfaraz said he was unaware of the broadcast.
He also said he had no information about any complaint the PCB allegedly lodged with England’s cricket authorities.
According to the head coach, the players prepared to return to the field as usual after lunch.
He said the interview caused no delay or disruption to the team.
Sarfaraz Defends Pakistan Players
Sarfaraz also defended the players despite admitting that their recent performances had fallen below expectations.
He said the team had not performed well but refused to place all the blame on the players.
“This is our team, and Pakistan’s best players are part of it,” Sarfaraz said.
The head coach pointed out that Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha had delivered strong performances in the past.
However, he acknowledged that the players were currently struggling to score runs.
Squad Review Planned After the Series
Sarfaraz said he would continue to support the players as Pakistan’s head coach.
The team management will review the squad after the Test series, he added.
Officials will then discuss which players should remain in the team. They will also decide whether the squad needs any changes.
For now, Sarfaraz said Pakistan’s immediate focus remains on cricket and completing the Test series against England.
