New Delhi: “A regular checkup after a mild headache” experienced by Javed Miandad left Pakistanis worried for the health of the legendary cricketer. By the time the retired cricketer, arguably the best batsman the country ever produced, clarified that all was well, fans and at least one ex-player had already flooded social media wishing him a speedy recovery.
Miandad was shifted to a private hospital in Karachi after he “suddenly collapsed”, family sources confirmed to Geo News.
Javed Bhai, Allah aapkobhamaisha salamat rakhey Ameen
We are proud of you, you live in our hearts, God bless you and get well soon
— Muhammad Naeem Khan (@NaeemKhanIsd) February 18, 2023
Stay blessed Sir ❤️
— SALAR (@mir_ssks) February 18, 2023
Miandad in a video message on Friday informed fans that his illness was not serious and that he will be discharged soon.
I am absolutely fine Alhamdullilah, came for medical checkup after having low blood pressure. Thanks for all your prayers.
— Javed Miandad (@Javed__Miandad) February 17, 2023
“I heard that people were worried about my health but I would like to clarify that I only came to the hospital for checkup after a mild headache,” Miandad said. He also stated that he would go back home soon.
Former Pakistani cricketer Mohammed Hafeez tweeted an image of Miandad from the hospital and wished him a speedy recovery.
Prayers for speedy recovery & best of health @Javed__Miandad Get well soon ? pic.twitter.com/EWZua8Vv6l
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) February 17, 2023
The 65-year-old has featured in 124 Tests and 233 ODIs over the course of his 21-year-long cricketing career. He was also a part of Pakistan’s World Cup winning squad in 1992.
A “mainstay of Pakistan batting” from 1975-1996, during which he scored 16,213 international runs with 31 centuries, Miandad also holds the record for most consecutive ODI fifties (nine) and is a member of the PCB Hall of Fame.
On or off the field, Miandad is known for his caustic and sometimes extremely controversial comments against India.
Recently, when the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in Bahrain held its meeting, the council president and BCCI secretary Jay Shah stuck to their decision of moving the tournament out of Pakistan due to strained relations between the two countries. This prompted PCB chief Najam Sethi to threaten pulling out of the upcoming ODI World Cup to be held in India.
But it was Miandad’s response that went viral.
He said “India can go to hell” if the country doesn’t want to come to Pakistan. He questioned ICC’s governance saying: “If ICC can’t control it then what’s the use of being a governing body. It should have the same rules for every team.” He further added that while India may be a “powerhouse” in its home country, they are not considered to be one either by Pakistan or the world. “Come play in Pakistan, why don’t you play?,” he had told journalists.
A final call on the Asia Cup venue is expected to be taken next month as PCB remains firm on their stance to boycott the 2023 ODI World Cup, in India, if the Asia Cup is moved out of their country.
(Edited by Anurag Chaubey)