‘Injustice is being done’: In tears, Miandad speaks up for Imran

Legendary Pakistan batter Javed Miandad has spoken out in support of his former captain and teammate Imran Khan, saying he feels "anxious" over the ex-Prime Minister's continued imprisonment.

"There was never any hostility between us. We played county cricket together for years... We shared a large part of our cricketing lives together," Miandad said, recalling his long association with Khan on and off the field to Pakistani media outlet Narrative.

"We were extremely close. Now, when I think of Imran, I feel anxious. I don't know what condition he's in inside jail… My heart tells me an injustice is being done to him," he said, while breaking down in tears.

Imran, 73, has been jailed since August 2023 and is currently serving a 14-year sentence in a corruption case at Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi. His supporters and rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns over his deteriorating health, including reported vision loss, and restricted access to family and lawyers.

Recently, a group of former international captains led by Australia’s Greg Chappell sent a letter to the Pakistan government, urging them to provide proper medical care to Imran.

Out of the 23 signatories, there were none from Pakistan.

Miandad, who played under Imran's captaincy and later led the side himself, is the first high-profile former player from Pakistan to openly ask for Imran’s release.

He defended his former colleague's integrity, saying, "He is an extremely honest man. He was never involved in any corruption or financial dealings.

Calling for dialogue, Miandad said Khan deserved to live with "love and respect" for his contribution to Pakistan. "Allah forbid, if something happens to him inside jail, the whole of Pakistan will weep," he warned.