Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has spoken publicly about Imran Khan, recalling his former captain as a friend, mentor and leader. His comments came during an appearance on the Old Boys, New Balls podcast.
Akram said he misses the opportunity to see and speak with Khan, who led Pakistan to its historic 1992 World Cup victory. He also referred to the long period in which the former captain has remained in prison.
The cricket legend’s remarks come amid continued discussion around Khan’s legal cases and the treatment of political prisoners in Pakistan.
Akram said he hoped authorities would ensure Khan receives fair treatment, drawing attention to what he described as the treatment given to other political leaders in the past.
He also thanked former cricket captains who had recently spoken about Khan’s situation. In August, 21 former international captains reportedly joined a call for Khan to be treated humanely and with basic consideration.
The group included prominent names such as India’s Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, alongside former England captain Michael Atherton.
Khan has been imprisoned since 2023 and remains involved in multiple legal cases. He and his wife have denied the corruption allegations against them.
The issue has also reached the international cricket community. During the recent Pakistan England Test at Lord’s, Khan’s sons spoke about their father’s circumstances in an interview with Michael Atherton broadcast by Sky Sports.
The interview generated controversy, with reports suggesting the Pakistan Cricket Board considered its response to the broadcast. Pakistan ultimately played the match as scheduled.
For Akram, the issue carries a personal dimension. He was among the players who represented Pakistan under Khan during the 1992 World Cup campaign, when the team secured its first World Cup title.
Decades later, Khan’s legacy continues to connect him with Pakistan cricket, while his political career has placed him at the centre of a separate national debate.
Akram’s latest comments add another voice from Pakistan’s cricketing community calling attention to Khan’s circumstances, while the former prime minister’s legal and political future remains uncertain.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has spoken publicly about Imran Khan, recalling his former captain as a friend, mentor and leader.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has spoken publicly about Imran Khan, recalling his former captain as a friend, mentor and leader. His comments came during an appearance on the Old Boys, New Balls podcast.
Akram said he misses the opportunity to see and speak with Khan, who led Pakistan to its historic 1992 World Cup victory. He also referred to the long period in which the former captain has remained in prison.
The cricket legend’s remarks come amid continued discussion around Khan’s legal cases and the treatment of political prisoners in Pakistan.
Akram said he hoped authorities would ensure Khan receives fair treatment, drawing attention to what he described as the treatment given to other political leaders in the past.
He also thanked former cricket captains who had recently spoken about Khan’s situation. In August, 21 former international captains reportedly joined a call for Khan to be treated humanely and with basic consideration.
The group included prominent names such as India’s Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, alongside former England captain Michael Atherton.
Khan has been imprisoned since 2023 and remains involved in multiple legal cases. He and his wife have denied the corruption allegations against them.
The issue has also reached the international cricket community. During the recent Pakistan England Test at Lord’s, Khan’s sons spoke about their father’s circumstances in an interview with Michael Atherton broadcast by Sky Sports.
The interview generated controversy, with reports suggesting the Pakistan Cricket Board considered its response to the broadcast. Pakistan ultimately played the match as scheduled.
For Akram, the issue carries a personal dimension. He was among the players who represented Pakistan under Khan during the 1992 World Cup campaign, when the team secured its first World Cup title.
Decades later, Khan’s legacy continues to connect him with Pakistan cricket, while his political career has placed him at the centre of a separate national debate.
Akram’s latest comments add another voice from Pakistan’s cricketing community calling attention to Khan’s circumstances, while the former prime minister’s legal and political future remains uncertain.
