Logic would state that the cable is not ok. This is because the lever is seized which would create tension on the cable stopping you from pulling the handbrake up.
If you can pull the handbrake it would suggest that one of the cables has snapped or stretched to the point where it is no longer useful.
when i realised the problem, that lever was in the middle position. and the cable wasn't tensioned. i had to use the car lifter to turn the lever in open position which is up.