Former Indian captains join global appeal for fair treatment of jailed Imran Khan
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New Delhi: Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, among 14 former international cricket captains, have voiced deep concern over the deteriorating health and jail conditions of Pakistan's imprisoned ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, urging the government to ensure proper medical care and dignified treatment.
Reports indicate the 1992 World Cup-winning captain has lost nearly 85 percent vision in his right eye due to alleged medical neglect at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, where he has been held for over two years following a 14-year corruption sentence in 2023.
In a letter titled "Appeal by former International Cricket Captains," the group—including Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Steve Waugh, and John Wright—wrote: “We, the undersigned former captains of our national cricket teams, write with deep concern regarding the reported treatment and incarceration conditions of Imran Khan, the distinguished former Captain of Pakistan and a legendary figure in world cricket.”
They highlighted alarming reports of his vision loss and imprisonment conditions, adding, “As fellow cricketers who understand the values of fair play, honour, and respect that transcend the boundary rope, we believe that a person of Imran Khan’s stature deserves to be treated with the dignity and basic human consideration befitting a former national leader and a global sporting icon.”
The captains demanded immediate medical attention from specialists of Khan's choice, humane detention aligning with international standards—including family visits—and transparent legal access. “Cricket has long been a bridge between nations. Our shared history on the field reminds us that rivalry ends when the stumps are drawn, and respect endures. Imran Khan embodied that spirit throughout his career,” the letter stated, praising his World Cup triumph, all-round prowess, and democratic leadership as Prime Minister.
Sourav Ganguly, another former Indian captain not among the signatories, echoed the sentiment in Kolkata, saying, “They (former skippers) have done the right thing, I hope he gets the right treatment because he has taken Pakistan to the world map being captain of the Pakistan cricket team and then Prime Minister, so he should be looked after, and I expect him to.”
Mohammed Azharuddin, Telangana's Minister for Minorities Welfare and ex-Indian captain, also supported the appeal on X: “Deeply saddened to hear about Imran bhai. Cricket has given us many shared moments, and as a fellow sportsman who has shared the platform and learned from him, I sincerely appeal that he be treated with dignity. Praying for his good health and strength for his family.”
The appeal invokes sportsmanship and humanity, without interfering in legal proceedings, and calls on Pakistan to uphold decency and justice for the 73-year-old icon.
(Inputs from PTI)