Wasim Akram speaks out, urges ‘fair treatment’ for Imran Khan

Akram made the remarks while discussing a recent appeal by former international cricket captains who asked Pakistani authorities to treat Imran humanely.

Imran, 73, has remained in prison since 2023 and was sentenced late last year, along with his wife, to 17 years in a corruption case.

Both have denied the charges against them.

Akram’s comments have drawn attention because of his close connection with Imran, who captained Pakistan to its historic 1992 World Cup victory.

The former fast bowler was one of the key members of that team and has previously spoken about the influence Imran had on his career.

Former captains call for fair treatment

The issue gained fresh attention after an interview with Imran’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, was broadcast by Sky Sports during the recent second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord’s.

The interview was conducted by former England captain Michael Atherton.

During the programme, Imran’s sons strongly criticised the treatment of their father by Pakistani authorities.

The broadcast reportedly created tension around the Pakistan cricket team, with some reports claiming the Pakistan Cricket Board considered refusing to allow the team to return to the field after the interval.

No such action was ultimately taken.

The Test continued as planned, with Pakistan losing the match by 194 runs. England’s victory gave them a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

The controversy nevertheless brought renewed attention to Imran’s situation and the growing calls from former cricket figures for humane treatment.

Wasim recalls Imran as captain and mentor

In August, Atherton joined 20 other former international captains in calling for Imran to be treated humanely.

The group included prominent Indian cricket figures Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev.

They appealed to Pakistani authorities to show Imran “basic human consideration”.

Akram later discussed the issue on the ‘Old Boys, New Balls’ podcast, which is co-hosted by former England captain Ian Botham.

He thanked the former captains who had signed the petition in support of Imran.

“We would like to thank all the captains that recently signed a petition for Imran,” Akram said.

He then spoke about his personal connection with his former captain and friend.

“I feel for [the] skipper, I miss him as a friend, I miss him as a mentor, we miss him as a leader. We haven’t seen his picture for three years,” he added.

Akram’s remarks reflected the strong bond between the two former Pakistan cricketers.

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Imran’s lasting impact on Pakistan cricket

Imran played a major role in transforming Pakistan into a strong force in international cricket.

His biggest achievement came in 1992, when Pakistan won its first and only men’s ODI World Cup under his leadership.

Akram was an important member of that winning team.

The former left-arm pacer went on to become one of Pakistan’s most successful fast bowlers and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

For Akram, Imran was not only a captain but also a friend and mentor.

His latest comments therefore carry a personal element, particularly as Imran has remained away from public life since his imprisonment.

Akram also pointed to the emotional impact of not seeing his former captain publicly for such a long period.

Imran’s political and legal situation

Imran has been imprisoned since 2023 following several legal cases brought against him.

He and his wife have denied the corruption allegations and have maintained that the cases against them are politically motivated.

His supporters have repeatedly demanded his release and raised concerns about his treatment in custody.

The government and authorities have rejected allegations of political persecution.

The legal disputes surrounding Imran have continued to attract attention both inside Pakistan and internationally.

His status as a former prime minister and one of Pakistan’s most popular political figures has also kept his imprisonment closely linked to the country’s wider political debate.