“He Is a National Hero”: Javed Miandad Breaks Down While Defending Imran Khan

Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad broke down during an emotional interview while defending jailed former prime minister and cricketing legend Imran Khan. Miandad questioned Khan’s prolonged detention and raised concerns over his health, as renewed attention focuses on the former premier’s prison conditions.

By News Desk
By News Desk
Imran Khan

Former Pakistan cricket captain Javed Miandad broke down during an emotional television interview while defending jailed former prime minister and fellow cricketing great Imran Khan, questioning the continued detention of the former premier and expressing concern over his health.

Miandad, who shared a long association with Khan during their playing careers, became emotional while speaking on the Narrative channel about Khan’s imprisonment and the difficulties he has reportedly faced while in custody.

His remarks come amid renewed international attention on Khan’s treatment after his sons, Kasim and Sulaiman Khan, spoke publicly about their father’s condition and alleged mistreatment.

Miandad recalls bond with Imran Khan

During the interview, Miandad reflected on his close relationship with Khan, recalling the years they spent together playing international cricket and county cricket.

The two were among the most prominent figures in Pakistan cricket during the 1980s and early 1990s. Their careers overlapped for many years, with Khan serving as Pakistan’s captain and Miandad emerging as one of the country’s most accomplished batsmen.

Miandad’s emotional response reflected the personal connection he has maintained with Khan over the decades.

While discussing Khan’s current circumstances, the former captain questioned why his former teammate continues to remain behind bars after being detained in August 2023.

He also challenged the rationale for keeping Khan in prison, arguing that the former prime minister had not been accused of stealing public money in the manner he was describing.

‘Why is he still being kept?’

Miandad questioned the continued detention of Khan and asked what purpose was being served by keeping him imprisoned for such a long period.

He portrayed Khan as a national hero and highlighted his contribution to Pakistan, both as a cricketer and as a public figure.

Miandad’s comments were delivered with visible emotion, with the former captain breaking down during the interview as he spoke about Khan.

His intervention has added to a growing public discussion over Khan’s imprisonment, particularly as concerns about his health and prison conditions continue to attract attention.

Khan has remained in custody since August 2023 following his arrest in connection with a number of legal cases. His supporters have repeatedly described his imprisonment as politically motivated, while authorities have maintained that the cases against him are being handled according to law.

Khan’s sons raise concerns over his condition

Miandad’s interview came shortly after Khan’s sons publicly discussed their father’s treatment in prison.

Kasim and Sulaiman Khan recently spoke to Sky Sports during coverage of the England-Pakistan Test at Lord’s, expressing concerns about their father’s health and conditions in detention.

Kasim alleged that authorities were deliberately keeping Khan isolated and claimed that there were serious concerns about his wellbeing.

The interview triggered a diplomatic and cricketing controversy, with the Pakistan Cricket Board reportedly lodging a formal complaint with Sky Sports over the decision to broadcast the discussion during Test coverage.

The dispute became serious enough for Pakistan’s touring side to reportedly threaten not to return to the field after lunch. The England and Wales Cricket Board intervened in discussions with the Pakistan delegation, after which the players resumed the match.

More than 1,100 days behind bars

Khan’s continued imprisonment has become a major political issue in Pakistan.

According to his supporters, the former prime minister has now spent more than 1,100 days in detention since his arrest in 2023. During this period, his family and legal team have repeatedly raised concerns about his physical and mental wellbeing.

Among the concerns raised recently are reported problems with his eyesight and other health issues.

Khan was taken to hospital last week for medical treatment following a Supreme Court ruling that allowed him temporary medical care outside prison. He was subsequently returned to custody.

His family has continued to demand access to appropriate medical treatment and improved prison conditions.

Authorities reject allegations of mistreatment

Pakistani authorities have consistently maintained that Khan is receiving appropriate medical care and that his legal cases are being dealt with through established judicial procedures.

Government officials have rejected allegations that Khan is being deliberately denied healthcare or subjected to mistreatment.

The government has also dismissed claims that his imprisonment is solely politically motivated, maintaining that courts have dealt with the cases against him independently.

The conflicting claims have nevertheless kept attention focused on Khan’s treatment, particularly following public statements by his family.

Cricket community rallies around former captain

Miandad’s emotional comments also underline the continued support Khan enjoys among sections of Pakistan’s cricket community.

Khan remains one of the most celebrated figures in Pakistan’s sporting history. He led the national team to its first and only Cricket World Cup title in 1992, cementing his status as one of the country’s greatest sporting icons.

After retiring from cricket, Khan entered politics and founded the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He became prime minister in 2018 but was removed from office in 2022 following a vote of no confidence.

His subsequent arrest and imprisonment have transformed him from a former political leader into the central figure of Pakistan’s continuing political crisis.

Miandad’s emotional defence is likely to add further momentum to the international conversation surrounding Khan’s detention.

As concerns over his health and prison conditions continue, calls from former cricketers, family members and supporters for his humane treatment are expected to remain a prominent part of the debate surrounding Pakistan’s former prime minister.

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