Pakistan cricket legend Javed Miandad became the first prominent former cricketer from his country to speak in favour of Imran Khan and call for his release from Jail. The legendary batter broke down in tears, reflecting on the 1992 World Cup-winning captain’s ordeal, which has seen him spend more than three years behind bars.
While 21 former captains from across the world, including Indian cricket legends Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, and Dilip Vengsarkar, have written to the Pakistan Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and called for the ex-Pakistan all-rounder to be treated with dignity in jail and also urged them to follow court orders on his medical situation, there has been silence in Pakistan from their own-ex players and Imran’s ex-teamamtes and players.
However, Miandad has become the first to speak on the issue and broke down in an interview with the YouTube channel ‘Narratives’ while talking about Imran. One of the greatest batters to play the sport, Miandad dismissed claims that there was any rift between them during their playing days, despite the captaincy switching multiple times between them.
“There was never any hostility between us of any kind. We played county cricket together for years, living, eating, and travelling together six months out of the year, and then playing together for the Pakistan national team. I handed the captaincy over to him, then I became captain, and then handed it back to him again. We had a great working relationship and shared a wonderful journey in cricket together,” said Mianad.
The 69-year-old asserted that Imran is an honest person and not someone who can take part in corrupt activities, which he is accused of and convicted of by Pakistan authorities. He also questioned what difference it would make if he were released.
“My mind keeps thinking about what the poor guy must be going through inside jail. We were very close, played county together, and understood each other deeply. This man took Pakistan to such great heights, and my heart tells me that what is happening to him is wrong.
“What difference will it make if you release him? Can someone explain this to me—will Pakistan vanish if he is freed? Everyone should see and understand that we are all Pakistanis. I know everything about Imran; he is an honest man. He was not someone into corruption or taking money, otherwise he could have done a lot. He was the Prime Minister of the country, and there is no charge of theft or financial corruption against him,” an emotional Miandad said.
He made a passionate appeal to the Pakistan government and called for the issue to be sorted out through talks. The World Cup winner also expressed concern about Imran’s medical condition.
“My only request is that everyone sit together and find a good solution. That man commands immense respect, and he gave so much to Pakistan in his profession. We should think a little and live with love and affection. God forbid, if something happens to him inside tomorrow… what will happen? The entire nation of Pakistan will cry! At that time people will say, “He was a sportsman, why couldn’t you let it go? He didn’t commit any theft! Whatever he did was for Pakistan.” He gave his time, his life, his everything to Pakistan.
“If our national heroes are treated like this, it brings immense sorrow. My only prayer to God is that this issue gets resolved as soon as possible,” Miandad concluded.