'What's being done to him is not right': Miandad calls for Imran Khan's release

Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad has publicly called for the release of Imran Khan, becoming the first high-profile Pakistan cricketer to directly speak out about the former captain and prime minister's continued imprisonment, reports ESPN.

In an emotional interview with the Narratives podcast recorded last week, Miandad urged the Pakistan government to resolve its differences with Imran, who has been in prison since August 2023.

"I pray that what's going on with him gets resolved, because he does not deserve this," Miandad said, according to ESPN. "What's being done to him is not right. It's unnecessary. He has a family too."

Miandad became emotional while recalling his relationship with Imran, with whom he played for Pakistan during one of the most successful periods in the country's cricket history.

"I think about it all the time, what he must be doing [in prison], what he must be thinking of. We were so close. We used to be together and think so much of each other. We took Pakistan to such new heights," he said.

Miandad's remarks are notable because former Pakistan cricketers have generally avoided directly commenting on Imran's imprisonment. Players who played alongside him, including former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja, have spoken about their admiration for him as a captain but largely refrained from addressing his political and legal situation.

Miandad and Imran were key figures in Pakistan's cricket success during the 1980s and early 1990s. Both captained Pakistan and also played county cricket together for Sussex.

Addressing suggestions that the two had a bitter rivalry, Miandad said their relationship remained close during their playing careers.

"There was no rivalry between me and Imran. There was no fight between us. I've never complained that Imran wronged me in any way," he said.

He added that the two spent much of the year together, either playing county cricket or representing Pakistan.

Miandad's comments came amid renewed concerns over Imran's health and treatment in prison.

Last week, 22 former international captains signed an open letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calling for Imran to receive adequate healthcare in prison and for court orders protecting his constitutional rights, including family visits, to be respected.

Australia captain Pat Cummins has also publicly backed the former international captains' appeal, according to ESPN.

Miandad said Imran's contribution to Pakistan should be considered while addressing the dispute.

"There's so much respect in the world for Imran. He has given Pakistan so much. We should think about that. We need to bury the hatchet," he said.

"He's a former prime minister... God forbid, if something happens to him in jail, all of Pakistan will weep. And at that time, they will all ask why they did this to Imran."

Calling for Imran's release, Miandad said: "Just release him, what difference does it make to you?"

The former Pakistan batter also offered to help resolve the situation in any way he could.