Highlights:
- Fourteen former international cricket captains have urged Pakistan to ensure proper medical care for Imran Khan.
- The appeal regarding Imran Khan was drafted by Greg Chappell and sent to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
- Signatories include Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sourav Ganguly, Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and other former captains.
- The letter cites “profound concern” over reports of Imran Khan’s deteriorating health.
- Media reports claim Imran Khan has lost 85 percent of the vision in his right eye while in custody.
- The captains called for “immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing.”
Fourteen former international cricket captains have written to Pakistan’s prime minister urging authorities to ensure proper medical care and humane treatment for former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been in jail since August 2023.
The appeal, drafted by former Australia captain Greg Chappell, was addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It was signed by prominent figures in world cricket, including Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Ian Chappell, Mike Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Mike Brearley, David Gower, Clive Lloyd, John Wright, and Sourav Ganguly.
The group said recent reports regarding Imran Khan’s health, particularly claims about serious vision loss, have caused “profound concern.”
Imran Khan’s Detention and Legal Status
Imran Khan, 74, has been held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi for nearly 1,000 days. He was jailed following corruption cases filed after his removal from office in 2022 through a no-confidence vote in Pakistan’s parliament.
Imran Khan has denied all wrongdoing. Some convictions against Imran Khan have been suspended or overturned, while other legal appeals related to Imran Khan remain pending before the courts.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has sought details about Imran Khan’s medical treatment as questions about his health continue to circulate.
Reported Health Issues of Imran Khan
The appeal by the former captains centers on concerns about Imran Khan’s health in jail. According to media reports, Imran Khan has reportedly lost 85 percent of the vision in his right eye. There have also been claims that Imran Khan’s family members were denied regular visits and that there have been frequent rumors regarding his condition.
In their letter, the captains wrote that recent reports about Imran Khan’s health, “particularly the alarming deterioration of his vision while in custody,” had caused them “profound concern.” They stated that as fellow cricketers who value fair play, honor, and respect, they believe Imran Khan deserves to be treated with dignity as a former national leader and global sporting figure.
The letter urged the Pakistani government to ensure that Imran Khan receives “immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing.” It also called for “humane and dignified conditions,” including regular visits by close family members and fair access to legal processes without delay.
Support from Sunil Gavaskar and Sourav Ganguly for Imran Khan
Sunil Gavaskar, who shared a long-standing cricket rivalry with Imran Khan, publicly supported the appeal. “It’s terrible what they are doing to him. We have been friends since he was trying to qualify as an overseas player for Worcestershire, and not just rivals on the field,” Gavaskar said.
Sourav Ganguly also endorsed the letter, stating that Imran Khan “must be looked after and respected.”
The involvement of former captains from India, Australia, England, and the West Indies reflects the international cricket community’s engagement with the issue surrounding Imran Khan’s health and treatment.
Family Concerns Over Imran Khan’s Health
Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, have also expressed concern about their father’s condition. Speaking to Reuters in London, they said they had been separated from Imran Khan for more than two years and were worried about reports concerning his eye condition.
Kasim said it was difficult being away for so long and added that Imran Khan should be moved to a proper medical facility and allowed access to private doctors.
The family’s statements have added to public debate over the handling of Imran Khan’s health while in custody.
Pakistani Authorities Respond on Imran Khan’s Medical Care
Pakistani authorities have stated that medical procedures for Imran Khan are underway and have rejected opposition claims of neglect. Officials have maintained that appropriate care is being provided to Imran Khan in accordance with legal and medical requirements.
As legal proceedings continue and health concerns remain under discussion, the letter from the former captains has brought renewed international attention to Imran Khan’s condition.
The appeal emphasizes that regardless of political differences, Imran Khan, as a former captain and former prime minister, should receive medical care and treatment consistent with established standards of dignity and due process.
