Usman Khawaja Slams PCB Over Attempt to Block Interview with Imran Khan’s Sons
Former Australian Test opener Usman Khawaja has publicly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following reports that the organization attempted to pressure a British broadcaster into pulling an interview with the sons of former Pakistan Prime Minister and cricket legend, Imran Khan.
The controversy erupted during the recent England tour of Pakistan, where reports suggested the Pakistan team had threatened to boycott the second Test match if Sky Sports proceeded with airing a segment featuring Sulaiman and Kasim Khan. While the interview was eventually broadcast—albeit on a delayed schedule—and the match proceeded as planned, the PCB’s intervention drew sharp condemnation from the cricketing community.
Responding to news of the complaint filed by the PCB against the broadcaster, Islamabad-born Khawaja took to social media to express his disbelief, bluntly stating, “This has got to be a joke.”
Growing Concerns Over Imran Khan’s Welfare
The 73-year-old Khan, who famously captained Pakistan to its maiden ODI World Cup victory in 1992, has been incarcerated in Rawalpindi since 2023 following a series of corruption convictions. His imprisonment has become a flashpoint for international concern, with his sons recently voicing alarm regarding his safety, alleging that there have been deliberate threats to his life.
The political situation surrounding the former leader has drawn attention from some of the sport’s most respected figures. Current Australian captain Pat Cummins has emerged as one of the few active international players to advocate for the former Prime Minister.
Cummins recently aligned himself with a group of 21 former international captains, including Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar and Australian great Greg Chappell, who issued a formal appeal to Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif. The group urged the Pakistani government to ensure humane treatment and immediate, proper medical care for the incarcerated icon.
Calls for Dignity and Access
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Cummins shared a video of Greg Chappell highlighting the deteriorating health of the legendary all-rounder. Cummins emphasized the importance of granting Khan access to his family and ensuring the court-ordered medical assessments are conducted thoroughly and transparently.
“I hope the court-ordered medical assessment is completed and that family visits continue,” Cummins wrote, calling for Khan to be “treated with dignity.”
As the political and legal challenges surrounding the former Pakistan captain continue to unfold, the intervention by current and past stars highlights a deepening divide between the cricket establishment and the political administration in Pakistan. For many, the attempt to suppress media coverage regarding Khan’s family is viewed as an encroachment on the sport’s principles of openness and transparency.
