Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed found himself facing questions away from the cricketing action after the second day's play in the second Test against England at Lord's. During the press conference, the coach was asked about the controversy surrounding a Sky Sports interview featuring the sons of former Pakistan captain Imran Khan.

Sarfaraz appeared uncomfortable with the subject and attempted to steer the conversation back toward cricket. When questioned about the matter, he said he was not aware of any discussions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) concerning the interview.

Sarfaraz Says He Has No Information

The Pakistan coach made it clear that the issue was not something he had been involved with. He indicated that he did not know about any communication between the two cricket boards over Michael Atherton's interview with Imran Khan's sons.

When the subject was raised, Sarfaraz repeatedly maintained that he had no information about the matter and appeared eager to move past the question.

Interview Becomes Talking Point

The controversy centers on Michael Atherton's interview with Imran Khan's sons. The issue has attracted attention beyond the cricket field, with questions reportedly being raised about the circumstances surrounding the interview and whether the PCB and ECB had discussed it.

Sarfaraz was therefore asked to clarify the Pakistan team's position during the post-match media interaction. However, rather than offering details, he distanced himself from the matter.

Press Conference Held After Day Two

The questions came during Sarfaraz's media interaction following the second day's action in the Test at Lord's. Normally, such press conferences focus on the team's performance, tactics and match situation, but the interview controversy became an unexpected topic.

The Pakistan coach's responses suggested that he was not in a position to provide information about any discussions involving the two boards.

Cricket Remains the Main Focus

With the Test series underway, Sarfaraz's immediate responsibility remains preparing the Pakistan side for the remainder of the match. The questions about Imran Khan's sons, however, brought an off-field issue into the spotlight during his media appearance.

Twenty-one former international cricket captains from nine countries have urged Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure proper medical care and humane treatment for former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan, according to news agency PTI. The appeal comes amid concerns over Khan's reported health problems in custody, including an alleged major loss of vision in his right eye.

The former cricketers' intervention follows an earlier appeal by 14 former captains around six months ago. The latest letter specifically raises questions about the implementation of a Pakistan Supreme Court order concerning Khan's medical examination. According to the letter, the court had directed that Khan undergo a comprehensive assessment by a medical board that would include his personal doctors and his sister, Uzma Khan. The former captains said Khan was instead examined for several hours by a government-appointed medical team at Islamabad's Shifa International Hospital before being declared medically fit and returned to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. They argued that the court-directed medical board had not completed its assessment. The appeal includes prominent former Indian captains Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, along with other former leaders of international cricket. The signatories said their intervention was motivated by their shared connection through the sport rather than by political considerations.

Three demands to Shehbaz Sharif

The former captains have asked the Pakistan government to ensure that the Supreme Court's directions are fully implemented. Their first request is for the court-directed medical board, including Khan's personal physicians, to conduct a complete and independent assessment, with particular attention to the reported deterioration in his right-eye vision.

They have also urged authorities to ensure that Khan's weekly family visitation rights, which were reinstated by the Supreme Court, are provided without administrative delays or obstruction. Their third demand is that any treatment recommended by the medical board should be made available without delay.

The former cricketers said medical care should be treated separately from the political and legal disputes surrounding Khan's imprisonment. Their appeal comes as concerns about the former Pakistan prime minister's health have remained a subject of public and political attention.

Concerns over medical assessment

The dispute centres on whether the medical process followed in Khan's case fully complied with the Supreme Court's directions. The former captains contend that the examination by the government-appointed medical team did not satisfy the requirement for a broader medical board assessment involving Khan's own doctors.

The signatories have particularly highlighted reports concerning Khan's eyesight. They argued that such concerns make a comprehensive examination important and called for the process ordered by the court to be completed rather than replaced by a shorter assessment.

The appeal also comes against the backdrop of Khan's prolonged imprisonment and continuing political tensions in Pakistan. The former cricketers have sought to keep their intervention focused on medical care and the implementation of judicial directions rather than the wider arguments over his legal cases.

Their letter said ensuring that a court-ordered medical process is completed should be viewed as a basic humanitarian matter, regardless of the political or legal disputes surrounding Khan. The request now places the Pakistan government under renewed attention over how the former cricket captain's medical needs and court-directed rights are being handled in custody.

Former Pakistan PM was examined by six specialists at Shifa International Hospital; aide signals no confrontation with Army Chief Asim Munir if Khan is released

Imran Khan returns to jail

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was taken back to Adiala Jail on Friday after undergoing a medical examination at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.

Khan had been brought to the hospital from Adiala Jail late Thursday under heavy security. A team of six specialist doctors examined him and concluded that he did not require hospitalisation at present and could receive treatment while remaining in prison.

Following the medical assessment, Khan was taken back to the jail and returned to his cell.

Security was significantly tightened around Shifa International Hospital during his visit. Reports said hospital lights were switched off, staff members’ mobile phones were confiscated and media personnel outside the facility were moved away.

Aide signals softer approach

Meanwhile, one of Khan’s close aides told Reuters that the former Prime Minister would not seek a confrontation with Pakistan’s military or Army Chief Asim Munir if he were released.

The aide suggested that Munir could extend a “healing hand” following a legal development earlier this week. The remarks are being seen as a possible shift in the rhetoric surrounding Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

Khan has remained in prison since August 2023 and has continued to be at the centre of Pakistan’s political conflict with the military establishment.

Government challenges hospital order

The development came after the Pakistan government filed a fresh review petition in the Supreme Court challenging the decision to move Khan to a private hospital for treatment.

The government had initially indicated that it would comply with the court's order. It later sought reconsideration and withdrawal of the direction.

Reports said an earlier review petition was returned by the court registrar's office because the required set of documents, including paper books, was incomplete.

Lawyer alleges access was blocked

Khan's lawyer, Khalid Yusuf Chaudhry, also alleged that jail authorities prevented him from meeting the former Prime Minister.

According to Chaudhry, he had gone to Adiala Jail to obtain Khan's signature on a contempt petition and power of attorney but was not allowed to meet him.

The lawyer alleged that the restriction was intended to prevent Khan from taking further legal action concerning his medical treatment. He said he would still pursue a contempt petition before the Supreme Court.

Medical concerns raised in court

A medical report placed before the court had raised concerns about Khan's health. The report referred to fluctuations in his blood pressure, a rapid heartbeat and significant mental stress.

His reported blood pressure was 140/80, compared with 120/80 in February. His pulse was recorded at 54 beats per minute.

The Supreme Court has also ordered the formation of a medical board to conduct a detailed assessment of Khan's condition. The panel is expected to include specialist doctors, along with Khan's sister Dr Uzma Khan and his personal physician.

The board will examine his previous medical records and assess the cause of his condition, including concerns related to blood clots, before determining the appropriate course of treatment.

Khan remains behind bars

Khan, 73, has been in jail since August 2023 after his conviction in the Toshakhana case. He subsequently faced several other cases, including those linked to the cipher, Al-Qadir Trust and the Iddat-Nikah matter.

He received relief in some of those cases, while a sentence in the Toshakhana matter was also stayed. However, he continues to remain imprisoned in connection with other legal proceedings.

Khan and PTI have repeatedly alleged that the cases against him are politically motivated and intended to keep him away from politics and elections. Pakistan's government and investigating agencies have rejected those allegations, maintaining that the cases are proceeding through the country's legal system.

For now, Khan's return to Adiala Jail means his treatment will continue under prison arrangements unless the medical board or the courts decide that hospitalisation is necessary.

A fresh controversy has emerged in Pakistan’s political discourse after a media report alleged that the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2022 was not merely the result of a parliamentary no-confidence motion, but part of a broader geopolitical strategy involving the United States and the Pakistan military establishment.

The report, published by an international media outlet, claims that tensions between Washington and Islamabad escalated after Imran Khan’s visit to Moscow on 24 February 2022, the same day Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine. According to the report, the visit angered the United States, which expected Pakistan to take a clear anti-Russia stance on the conflict. Imran Khan’s government, however, maintained a neutral position on the Russia-Ukraine war, refusing to directly condemn Moscow. This, according to the report, marked a turning point in US-Pakistan diplomatic relations.

The allegations further claim that on 7 March 2022, a key meeting took place in Washington between Pakistan’s then ambassador Asad Majeed Khan and US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu. During this interaction, Lu reportedly conveyed that if Imran Khan were removed through a no-confidence vote, the United States would “forgive everything” and restore normal relations. This alleged communication later became central to Pakistan’s domestic political debate and formed the basis of the so-called “Cypher case,” which Imran Khan repeatedly cited as evidence of foreign interference in his removal.

According to the report, a lunch meeting in Washington further intensified pressure, where concerns were raised about Pakistan’s foreign policy direction under Imran Khan. The US side reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s stance on Russia and warned of diplomatic isolation if policy alignment did not change. The timeline presented in the report suggests that just 33 days after the alleged diplomatic exchange, on 9 April 2022, Imran Khan lost power following a successful no-confidence motion in Pakistan’s parliament. Shortly after, Shehbaz Sharif became the new Prime Minister.

The report also highlights subsequent political developments in Pakistan, suggesting that the country’s internal power structure underwent significant changes after Imran Khan’s removal. These include leadership transitions within the military establishment and increased political instability, including mass protests and legal cases against PTI leadership. In November 2022, Pakistan’s army leadership changed when General Asim Munir replaced General Qamar Javed Bajwa as Chief of Army Staff. Imran Khan has previously alleged that this appointment was politically influenced, though no official confirmation has supported the claim.

In May 2023, Imran Khan was arrested in a corruption case, triggering widespread protests and unrest across the country. The political situation further intensified when his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), faced restrictions and internal fragmentation ahead of the 2024 general elections. Despite electoral setbacks, PTI-backed independent candidates reportedly performed strongly in the polls, but a coalition government was eventually formed by rival parties Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

The report also suggests that Pakistan’s relations with the United States improved significantly after Imran Khan’s removal. Bilateral cooperation reportedly expanded into strategic, economic and defense-related areas, marking a shift from the earlier strained ties. However, these claims remain politically sensitive and highly contested. The United States has consistently denied allegations of orchestrating regime change in Pakistan, maintaining that the 2022 political transition was an internal constitutional process.

Imran Khan, on his part, has repeatedly maintained that his government was removed due to a foreign-backed conspiracy. He has linked the alleged “Cypher” diplomatic communication to his claim that external pressure played a decisive role in the no-confidence vote. The new report has reignited debate within Pakistan’s political landscape, particularly among supporters of PTI, who argue that the allegations validate long-standing claims of foreign interference. PTI leaders have described the report as further proof supporting their stance on the Cypher controversy.

Imran Khan, who has been in prison since August 2023, continues to face multiple legal cases. He has been convicted in several cases, including the Al-Qadir Trust case and earlier Cypher-related charges, though some convictions have been overturned or suspended by higher courts. As political tensions continue, the narrative surrounding Imran Khan’s ouster remains deeply polarised, reflecting broader divisions within Pakistan’s politics and its complex relationship with global powers.

In an unprecedented display of cross-border solidarity, 14 legendary international cricket captains have joined forces to appeal to the Pakistan government for the fair and humane treatment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The petition, delivered to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday, comes amid alarming reports that the 1992 World Cup-winning captain has lost nearly 85% of the vision in his right eye while in custody.

The appeal, spearheaded by former Australian captain Greg Chappell, includes some of the biggest names in the sport’s history, such as India’s Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar, alongside icons like Allan Border, Clive Lloyd, and Steve Waugh.

A "Death Cell" Crisis: Concerns Over Vision Loss

The primary driver behind this global petition is the "alarming deterioration" of Khan’s health. According to reports from his legal team and family, the 73-year-old is being held in a "death cell" at Adiala Jail—a small, windowless space typically reserved for those on death row.

Recent medical assessments suggest Khan is left with only 15% vision in his right eye due to medical neglect and a lack of specialized care. While the Pakistani government recently formed a medical board claiming his vision is "improving," Khan’s family and his party, the PTI, have rejected these findings, demanding an evaluation by independent doctors of his choosing.

"Rivalry Ends When the Stumps are Drawn"

The joint statement issued by the captains transcends political boundaries, emphasizing the values of sportsmanship and mutual respect.

"As fellow cricketers who understand the values of fair play... we believe that a person of Imran Khan's stature deserves to be treated with dignity," the statement read. "Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev have echoed this sentiment, with Gavaskar describing the reported conditions as 'terrible' for a man who served as a national leader and a global sporting icon."

The signatories of the petition include:

• India: Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar

• Australia: Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Steve Waugh, Kim Hughes, Belinda Clark

• England: Mike Atherton, Michael Brearley, David Gower, Nasser Hussain

• West Indies: Clive Lloyd

• New Zealand: John Wright

Why This Matters Now: The 2026 Context

This humanitarian plea arrives at a sensitive time for Pakistan. As the nation grapples with political instability, the domestic mood is further dampened by the Pakistan team's struggle in the T20 World Cup 2026. The contrast between the glory of Khan’s 1992 triumph and his current incarceration has sparked a wave of nostalgia and concern across the cricketing world.

For the international community, the treatment of a former head of state is a litmus test for human rights. The captains are not intervening in the legal cases against Khan—who faces a cumulative 31-year sentence—but are strictly demanding "humane and dignified conditions" and "immediate medical attention from qualified specialists."

Conclusion: A Call for Decency

The 14 captains concluded their appeal by reminding the Pakistan government that "rivalry ends when the stumps are drawn—and respect endures." Whether this high-profile intervention will lead to a shift in Khan’s prison conditions remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly placed the Shehbaz Sharif administration under a global spotlight.

Imran Khan’s Former Aide Attacked in UK: What Happened

Mirza Shahzad Akbar, former Special Assistant to ex-Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, has been seriously injured in a violent attack at his residence in Cambridge, United Kingdom. The incident, reported by PTI and police sources, has once again brought global attention to the safety of Pakistani political exiles living abroad.

According to initial information, an unidentified assailant entered Akbar’s home and repeatedly punched him in the face, leaving him with fractures to his nose and jaw. He was rushed to a hospital and is currently undergoing treatment. British police have confirmed that an investigation is underway and forensic evidence from the scene is being examined.

Akbar Accuses Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir

Following the attack, Akbar publicly blamed Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, alleging that the assault was part of a sustained campaign to intimidate and silence him while he is living in exile in the UK. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party also confirmed the incident, stating that Akbar sustained serious injuries during the early-morning attack.

While no official link has yet been established by British authorities, Akbar’s allegations have intensified political tensions and renewed debate over cross-border intimidation of dissidents.

A Pattern of Threats and Past Attacks

This is not the first time Akbar has faced danger in Britain. He has been living in the UK since April 2022, claiming he fled Pakistan due to threats to his life. In November 2023, a masked attacker allegedly threw acid at his Cambridge home. Although Akbar escaped unhurt, he described the incident as an attempt to silence him.

Akbar has repeatedly linked these attacks to the Al-Qadir Trust case involving Imran Khan. He claims Pakistani security agencies pressured him to testify against the former prime minister and that threats escalated after he refused.

Key allegations by Akbar include:

 Repeated threatening messages warning him to “mend his ways”

 Attempts to intimidate him into becoming a prosecution witness

 A coordinated effort to silence dissent abroad

Legal Battle and Extradition Efforts

After the acid attack, Akbar initiated legal proceedings in a British court in April 2024, alleging possible involvement of Pakistani officials. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry dismissed these claims as baseless.

Meanwhile, Akbar faces legal trouble back home. An Islamabad court has declared him a proclaimed offender in a case linked to controversial social media posts. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has also sought his extradition, submitting documents to the British High Commissioner. Although there is no formal extradition treaty between the UK and Pakistan, a limited agreement exists for specific cases.

Why This Matters Now

The latest assault on Imran Khan’s former aide attacked in the UK has raised serious concerns about the safety of Pakistani political exiles and dissidents in Britain. Experts warn that such incidents, if politically motivated, could strain diplomatic relations and challenge the UK’s responsibility to protect asylum seekers and exiles.

As British police continue their investigation, the case is being closely watched by human rights groups and political observers, who see it as a test of accountability and protection for those living in exile.

Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years in Jail in Toshakhana Corruption Case

In a major legal and political development, a special court in Pakistan has sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years in prison in the high-profile Toshakhana-2 corruption case.

The verdict, delivered on Saturday at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, marks another dramatic turn in the ongoing legal battles facing the ex-premier and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

The sentencing was handed down by Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand. Both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were convicted under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The court also imposed a fine of 16.4 million Pakistani Rupees on the couple, with additional jail time threatened if the penalty is not paid.

What is the Toshakhana Case?  

The case centers on Pakistan’s Toshakhana—a state treasury where gifts received by public officials from foreign dignitaries must be deposited. By law, these items belong to the state, not the individual.

The charges allege that Imran Khan illegally retained and undervalued expensive gifts received during his tenure as PM (2018-2022), most notably a luxury Bulgari jewelry set gifted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in May 2021.

The Breakdown of the Sentence  

The 17-year sentence is bifurcated:

10 years under Section 409 for criminal breach of trust.

7 years under Section 5(2)47 for criminal misconduct by a public servant.

Bushra Bibi was sentenced under the same provisions. This verdict is separate from other ongoing cases against Khan, including those involving state secrets and an unlawful marriage allegation.

The Controversial Gifts at the Heart of the Scandal  

Investigations revealed Imran Khan received 108 gifts while in office. Key items cited in proceedings include:

A Graff wristwatch worth approximately Rs. 8.5 crore.

Seven Rolex watches valued around Rs. 15 crore.

Expensive cufflinks, rings, and pens from foreign leaders.

A Case with Deep Political Repercussions  

This sentencing intensifies the political crisis in Pakistan. Imran Khan’s PTI party has consistently denounced all charges as a “politically motivated” attempt to eliminate him from the country’s political landscape. Legal analysts suggest the rapid succession of verdicts—coming ahead of general elections—points to a concerted effort to sideline the former cricket star turned populist leader.

The case gained traction due to a reported misstep involving Khan’s wife. As per reports, the gold and diamond watch from the Saudi Crown Prince was gifted to Bushra Bibi, who then tasked aides to sell it. The jeweler’s inquiry to the manufacturer allegedly triggered a chain reaction that led back to Saudi officials and ultimately exposed the alleged corruption.

Why This Matters Now  

The verdict solidifies Imran Khan’s status as a jailed opposition leader and casts a long shadow over Pakistan’s already turbulent democratic process. It raises immediate questions about electoral fairness, the role of the judiciary, and the future of the country’s most potent political movement. With Khan barred from office and facing decades in prison, Pakistan’s path forward appears more fractured and uncertain than ever.