Miandad defends Imran's 'phateechar' remarks

The controversial remark apparently has a different connotation in cricket fraternity

Javed Miandad had Imran Khan's back during their playing career, and it seems their bond is intact even decades into their retirements.

So when Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supremo dug himself a hole following his controversial 'phateechar' remark regarding the foreign players in the Pakistan Super League final, it is no surprise as to who came to his rescue.

"These are regular cricketing terms and every cricketer knows them," explained Miandad in a TV show. "In Karachi we have been using these terms from ages."

The legendary batsman then asked Imran's detractors to try and grasp the complete context of the derogatory term.

"I don’t consider them problematic at all, because I know the background of these terms," he said.

Having fully committed to his pal's defence, Miandad then revealed that the hot topic these days should be PSL chairman Najam Sethi's baseless allegation that England star Kevin Pietersen did not participate in the final due to Khan's remarks.

“It is a huge allegation, and it needs to be highlighted, especially after Pietersen has come out and clarified that it was his own decision and Imran Khan had nothing to do with it,” said Miandad. “English players never play if there is a security risk and we all know it already."

Miandad even suggested Imran's statement isn't even an issue. “The whole nation saw when they [politicians] fought in the national assembly," he added. "This is a real issue.”