Former Pakistani PM Imran Khan (AP photo)
AHMEDABAD: In a massive development, 14 legendary captains from five countries -including Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev and Australian great Greg Chappell, appealed to the Pakistan government on Tuesday about ensuring proper treatment for Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan, who has been in jail for more than two years now.Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khanum spoke out against Khan’s treatment in jail and his worsening health.
Khan has been in jail for over 800 days and his plight has been deteriorating, raising serious concerns about his treatment in the jail. A few days back, a court-appointed lawyer has claimed that the jailed former Prime Minister has been left with just 15 percent vision in his right eye after authorities allegedly ignored his complaints for three months, adding another layer of contention over his imprisonment. Signed by Gavaskar, Kapil, Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, former Australian women’s captain Belinda Clark, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Steve Waugh and ex-India coach John Wright, the appeal (a copy of the appeal is with TOI) states, “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.” Reminding the Pakistan government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Imran’s massive cricketing achievement, the appeal by the distinguished former international cricket captain’ states, “Imran Khan’s contributions to the game are universally admired. As captain, he led Pakistan to their historic 1992 Cricket World Cup victory—a triumph built on skill, resilience, leadership, and sportsmanship that inspired generations across borders. “Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or grew up idolizing his all-round brilliance, charisma, and competitive spirit. He remains one of the finest all-rounders and captains the sport has ever seen, earning respect from players, fans, and administrators alike.” Beyond cricket, Imran Khan served as Prime Minister of Pakistan, leading his nation during a challenging period. Regardless of political perspectives, he holds the honour of having been democratically elected to the highest office in his country.” Expressing deep concern over Imran’s worsening health situation in the jail, the former cricket captains have stated, “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.”
Requesting “immediate and adequate medical treatment to address his reported health issues, the appeal states, “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. Fair and transparent access to legal processes without undue delay or hindrance.” The letter by the 14 captains to the Pakistan government states that the appeal has been “made in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity, without prejudice to any legal proceedings.” “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. We call on authorities to honour it now by upholding the principles of decency and justice. This appeal is made in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity, without prejudice to any legal proceedings.” Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party founded by Khan, had last week expressed “profound concern” in a statement and strongly condemned the treatment meted out to him, “particularly with regard to the serious deterioration of his eyesight”.
