Despite decades of long and complicated relationship, Javed Miandad has publicly called for the release of imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister and cricketer Imran Khan. He tearfully said that Imran Khan is an honest man.

On August 24, 21 former international captains wrote a letter demanding medical treatment and facilities for Imran Khan. The letter was sent to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. Australian captain Pat Cummins also supported this letter.

The relationship between the two cricketers began in the 1970s, when they both represented Pakistan at the highest level. Their partnership played a very important role in one of the greatest moments in the country’s cricket. Besides recalling their joint journey, Miandad spoke in an emotional voice about Khan’s character and current situation.

Imran Khan has been lodged in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail since his re-arrest on August 5, 2023, in the Toshakhana case related to misuse of state gifts. As of February this year, more than 180 cases have been filed against him in different parts of Pakistan.

In an interview with Pakistani journalists’ platform ‘Narratives’, Miandad said, “He is an honest man. He is not someone who is involved in corruption; otherwise he could have done a lot. What will happen if he is released? Will he eat anyone or harm anyone? He is also someone’s child. I always wonder what condition he is in now.

Concerns have arisen about Khan’s health during his imprisonment. This includes the fact that the vision in one eye has significantly decreased due to lack of timely treatment in early 2026. Miandad’s emotional support reflects the larger concerns of former cricketers who have seen Khan throughout his career and are still advocating for his welfare.

The 1992 World Cup final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was a historic one for Imran Khan and Miandad. When Pakistan were at 24 for 2, the team was in a very precarious situation. It was then that Miandad and Khan put on a very important partnership. Khan scored 72 and Miandad 58 and added 139 for the third wicket. Their partnership helped Pakistan overcome the disaster and finally defeat England to win the title.

At one point in the interview, a tearful Miandad said, “My prayer is that what is right is established. What more can I say? You have brought tears to my eyes. What I am saying, I am saying from the heart.” He added, “If I can do something, I will do it. We are all Pakistanis. We have all carried the flag of Pakistan. All other differences should end. He is no less than anyone in terms of patriotism. We fought on the cricket field. For whom did we fight? For Pakistan, for what had to be done.” “Humans make mistakes. End this now.”