Indian cricketing greats Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev have joined 12 other former captains to express “deep concern” about jailed cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan’s deteriorating health, urging the Pakistan government to provide him adequate medical attention and dignified conditions in line with international standards.
There have been reports that the 1992 World Cup-winning skipper Imran has lost approximately 85 per cent of vision in his right eye due to medical neglect while in custody at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. As many as 14 former captains wrote a letter titled “Appeal by former international cricket captains” to the Pakistan government, asking for fair treatment for Khan.
“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," the letter said.
“Recent reports concerning his health, particularly the alarming deterioration of his vision while in custody, and the conditions of his imprisonment over the past two and a half years have caused us profound concern. 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,” it said.
The letter has also been signed by 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.
In the letter, the group of former captains asked for proper medical attention, transparent legal procedures and dignified treatment for 73-year-old Khan. “We respectfully urge the Government of Pakistan to ensure that Imran Khan receives: Immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing to address his reported health issues, humane and dignified conditions of detention in line with international standards, including regular visits by close family members, and fair and transparent access to legal processes without undue delay,” they said.
“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,” said the letter, calling on the authorities to uphold the principles of “decency and justice”. “This appeal is made in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity without prejudice to any legal proceedings,” it said, highlighting Khan's contributions to cricket and also as a politician.
Also read: Imran Khan’s PTI, TTAP call for nationwide strike on Feb 8
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