Longtime Zimbabwe Cricket sponsor Majid Khan has broken his silence on his prolonged absence from the country, insisting he remains committed to the board despite ongoing legal concerns that have kept him away.
The IHSAN Sports head, whose company has backed Zimbabwe Cricket for over two decades, says uncertainty over potential fresh legal action continues to prevent his return — even after being acquitted in 2017.
“I have clean hands”: Khan defends his position
Khan strongly defended his record, pointing to his acquittal and pushing back against allegations that have impacted his reputation.
“We are the sponsors, still the sponsors. We have been sponsoring the Zimbabwe cricket team for 22 years. We sponsor even more, like in hockey, soccer, even rugby,” Khan told Standardsport.
“But if someone is challenging our image like that, it’s really bad. Until there is a proof, they can come and sit on the table and show on the table and tell. But I was acquitted in my last case… I have clean hands.”
At the centre of the dispute is a case Khan says was wrongly brought against him by a former business associate.
“There is one guy who I made a partnership with, a Mexican sportsman…he made a wrong case, a fake case against me. For which, thank God, I was acquitted in 2017,” he said.
“I thank God that I was acquitted… I was a free man, I was a true man and then God helped me. I was acquitted from the Zimbabwe Court of Laws. And I really thank God that Zimbabwe courts of law made a decision in favour of the truth.”
Global presence, but Zimbabwe absence
Despite speculation around his whereabouts, Khan insisted he remains active internationally.
“No, I am not hiding. I am travelling around the world. I am from Pakistan, but I am in Colombo now,” he added.
However, Zimbabwe remains off-limits for now due to lingering legal uncertainty.
“I’m moving around the world. But I’m not coming to Zimbabwe. Sorry for that. Because I’m scared about that. Because maybe there’s another case.”
Legal uncertainty continues to block return
Khan made clear that clarity from authorities is a prerequisite before any return.
“If I come to Zimbabwe, I will have to face the courts. I respect the Zimbabwe courts. But I don’t know how the future will be. If there is any case, they have to tell me before I come there,” he said. “I have to be ready with my lawyer. If there is anything to answer, I have to be prepared before. I don’t want to come there and suddenly hear what happened to me before.”
“If there is any case against me, they can check before I come. But if I come and there is any new case, I am not too good to hang in that court.”
Financial fallout and long-term impact
The prolonged standoff has had clear commercial consequences.
“It’s a loss of millions of dollars for sure.”
The situation highlights the risks tied to long-term sponsorships in cricket, particularly when legal and governance issues intersect with commercial relationships.
Continued backing for Zimbabwe cricket
Despite the off-field situation, Khan remains supportive of the national team’s progress.
“Zimbabwe played some fantastic cricket. Zimbabwe is really doing well… They had a good Tournament at the T20 World Cup qualifying for the Super 8 stage for the first time with wins against Oman, Australia and Sri Lanka,” Khan added.
He also reiterated his respect for the country’s leadership, noting he holds “a lot of respect for the president of Zimbabwe,” while maintaining that any future visit depends on legal assurances.
