Wasim Akram has finally broken his silence on Imran Khan, who has been lodged behind bars for more than three years. Former Pakistan players are now giving statements in favour of the legendary all-rounder, who led the country to ODI World Cup glory in 1992. Javed Miandad was seen crying on a TV show for his former teammate and captain, while Moin Khan urged the authorities to provide proper treatment to the jailed cricketer.
Imran is also a former PM of Pakistan, and since he lost the majority, the newly established government put him in jail. Several cases have been registered against him, with verdict of the courts not going in his favour. He has accused the current government and the judiciary of treating him unfairly and has denied any wrongdoing.
Imran played a key role in Wasim’s rise and guided him when he was new to international cricket. It was Imran’s tips that helped Akram dominate the ICC tournament in 1992, with his best performance coming against England in the final.
“Imran Khan was my mentor,” he says. “He’s my friend, and I miss him a lot. I haven’t spoken to him for three years,” Akram told The Athletic.
“It’s so unfortunate, politically, what’s happening with him. The court of law is the court of law. But as far as his health is concerned, there can be no compromise on that,” he added.
Around 21 Greats of the Game have already written two letters to the Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, requesting him to give instructions to the officials on Imran Khan’s treatment. Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar are among the group of former players who are worried about Imran’s condition.
West Indies great Brian Lara recently made a statement on Imran and questioned the Pakistan government on the constitutional rights of the former player.
Australia ODI and Test captain Pat Cummins is the only current cricketer who has shown concern for one of the biggest names in the history of the sport.