Indian veteran cricketers urge Pakistan to ensure Imran Khan’s health and dignity in jail

Highlights:

A group of 14 former international cricket captains has appealed to Pakistan’s government to ensure proper medical treatment and humane conditions for former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been in prison since August 2023.

The petition, drafted by former Australia captain Greg Chappell, was sent to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It has been signed by several leading 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.

Khan, 74, has been held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi for nearly 1,000 days in connection with corruption cases following his removal from office in 2022 through a no-confidence vote. He denies all wrongdoing. Some convictions against him have been suspended or overturned, while other appeals are still pending.

The former captains expressed serious concern about reports of Khan’s deteriorating health. According to media reports, he has reportedly lost 85 percent of the vision in his right eye. There have also been claims that family members were denied regular visits, along with frequent rumors about his condition.

In their letter, the cricketers wrote that recent reports about Khan’s health, “particularly the alarming deterioration of his vision while in custody,” had caused them “profound concern.” They said that as fellow cricketers who value fair play, honor, and respect, they believe Khan deserves to be treated with dignity as a former national leader and global sporting icon.

They urged the Pakistani government to ensure that Khan receives “immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing.” They also called for “humane and dignified conditions,” including regular visits by close family members and fair access to legal processes without delay.

Sunil Gavaskar, who once shared an intense on-field rivalry with Khan, spoke strongly in his support. “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 backed the appeal, saying Khan “must be looked after and respected.”

Meanwhile, Khan’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, have publicly voiced concern about their father’s health. Speaking to Reuters in London, they said they had been separated from him for over two years and were worried about his reported eye condition. Kasim said it was difficult being away for so long and added that his father should be moved to a proper medical facility and allowed access to private doctors.

Pakistani authorities have said medical procedures are underway and have rejected opposition claims of neglect. The Supreme Court has sought details about Khan’s treatment.

As the debate continues, cricket’s global fraternity has made one thing clear: beyond politics, they believe a former captain and prime minister deserves care, dignity, and respect.