Plane With 'Release Imran Khan' Banner Spotted Over New York Stadium During India vs Pakistan T20 Match | Video

An aircraft carrying a banner with the message “Release Imran Khan” was seen flying above Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York, where India is currently playing against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup match.

The banner, urging the release of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, was prominently displayed as the aircraft circled the stadium.

The Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York is one of the three venues in the USA hosting matches for the much-anticipated Group A fixture of the T20 World Cup 2024 between the two countries. The US is co-hosting the ongoing tournament along with West Indies.

It is still unknown who was behind this act and the identity of the person piloting the aircraft.

The video, which has been widely shared on social media platforms, displayed the message during a pause in play between the Asian countries due to rain.

Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), also shared the video on its social media handle X, echoing a similar message. “Release Imran Khan,” the PTI wrote.

Cases against Khan

Khan, a former cricket star turned Islamist politician, served as prime minister from 2018 until his removal from power in 2022. He has been in jail since August last year, facing multiple cases against him.

The 71-year-old was arrested following his conviction in the Toshakhana corruption case last year. He was found guilty of graft over gifts received during his tenure as premier from 2018 to 2022. Although his 14-year sentence was suspended in April, the conviction remains.

Both Khan and his third wife, Bushra, are serving prison terms following a court ruling that their 2018 marriage was illegal, being too soon after her divorce. The couple is also convicted of corruption related to gifts received during Khan’s tenure as prime minister.

(With inputs from agencies)