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Pakistan cricket legend Javed Miandad has joined calls for the release of jailed former prime minister and longtime teammate Imran Khan. Describing Imran as an honest man, the 1992 World Cup-winning cricketer has urged the authorities to resolve the issue through dialogue and secure his release.
Pakistan won the 1992 World Cup under the captaincy of Imran Khan, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders of all time. Imran has been in prison for more than three years in connection with corruption cases.
On August 24, 21 former international captains jointly wrote to the Pakistan government demanding that Imran be provided with proper medical treatment and minimum facilities in prison. Former Australia captain Pat Cummins also expressed his support for Imran in a post on X. Miandad spoke about his former teammate in an interview with Pakistani journalists’ platform ‘Narratives.’
Miandad is considered by many to be one of Pakistan’s greatest-ever batsmen. He held Pakistan’s record for the most Test runs for many years before being surpassed by Younis Khan. He played 78 Tests for Pakistan alongside Imran. No other pair of Pakistan teammates have played as many Tests together.
Speaking about Imran, Miandad told ‘Narratives’: “Someone explain this to me. Is he going to destroy Pakistan? We are all Pakistanis. We should sit together and resolve the issue. Whatever the problem is, that is what Pakistan needs now. The situation is being unnecessarily prolonged, and that is not right.”
Miandad, 69, also rejected suggestions that he had any rivalry or hostility with Imran during their playing days.
“There was no enmity. We never had any quarrel between us,” he said.
Recalling their time playing county cricket in England, Miandad said: “We also played county cricket together. We spent six months together in England. Later, I also handed him the captaincy of the Pakistan team. We had a very good relationship and spent a wonderful period of cricket together.”
Miandad added: “He is also someone’s son. I often think—poor man, what kind of situation is he going through? We were very close. We played county cricket together, spent time together and understood each other very well. Together, we took Pakistan a long way forward.”
After their playing careers, Miandad had strongly criticised Imran’s political leadership and his handling of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Their once-warm relationship also became somewhat strained over the years. However, in the latest interview, Miandad said his earlier comments had also come from the heart. At the same time, he urged people not to forget Imran’s contributions to Pakistan.
“Whatever is wrong is wrong. Of course, he is a national hero. I pray that this problem is resolved. I am also appealing to the government of Pakistan. Perhaps I am not in a position to say much, but I can say this—he is my colleague. We spent a lot of time together and played together. I know Imran very well. He is an honest man,” Miandad said.
The former teammate then became emotional while speaking about Imran. With tears in his eyes, Miandad said: “My prayer is that what is right should prevail. What more can I say? You have brought tears to my eyes. I am saying this from my heart.”
Miandad continued: “If there is anything I can do, I certainly will. We are all Pakistanis. We have all carried Pakistan’s flag. All other differences should come to an end. In terms of patriotism, he is no less than anyone. We fought on the cricket field. Whom did we fight for? For Pakistan. Whatever has happened has happened. Human beings make mistakes. Now bring this to an end.”
Miandad also referred to Imran’s tenure as prime minister, saying: “He also served the country as prime minister. There are no allegations of theft against him, nor are there any such allegations.”
Expressing concern about what could happen in Pakistan if anything happened to Imran, Miandad said: “God forbid, if something happens to him, can you imagine what will happen in the country? The whole of Pakistan will cry.”
One of the most memorable chapters of Imran Khan and Javed Miandad’s cricketing friendship came during the 1992 World Cup. In the final against England, the pair forged a crucial 139-run partnership for the third wicket. Their stand played a major role in Pakistan winning its first and, to date, only ODI World Cup.
After leading Pakistan to the 1992 World Cup title, Imran retired from cricket and entered politics. He served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 to 2022.
After being removed from power, Imran was convicted and sentenced in corruption and other cases and remains in prison. He has denied wrongdoing in the cases and allegations against him, maintaining that the cases are politically motivated.