Cricket Legends Unite to Demand Better Medical Care for Imprisoned Imran Khan
More than a dozen former international cricket captains have issued a powerful plea to Pakistan's government, urging authorities to ensure better prison treatment and enhanced medical care for former cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan. The collective appeal comes amid growing concerns about Khan's health, particularly regarding reports of worsening vision in his right eye during his detention.
International Cricket Community Voices Profound Concern
In a formal letter addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, fourteen former captains including Indian legends Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev called for Khan to be treated with "dignity and basic human consideration." The cricketers expressed deep alarm about recent health reports, specifically highlighting the "alarming deterioration of his vision while in custody" and the overall conditions of his imprisonment over the past two and a half years.
The signatories represent a who's who of international cricket, including former Australian captains Ian Chappell, Allan Border, and Kim Hughes, West Indies legend Clive Lloyd, England's Michael Brearley and David Gower, and New Zealand's John Wright. Many of these players competed directly against Khan during his illustrious cricket career.
"Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or grew up idolizing his all-round brilliance, charisma and competitive spirit," the letter stated. The group specifically urged Pakistan to allow "immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing."
Conflicting Reports About Khan's Health Condition
Concern about Khan's health escalated significantly in late January when he was taken to hospital for eye treatment. His lawyer, Salman Safdar, reported last week that Khan had lost approximately 85% of the vision in his right eye. However, government officials have presented contradictory assessments.
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi dismissed such claims as "propaganda" just a day before the cricketers' letter became public. Other government officials, citing doctors who treated Khan, asserted that the vision in his right eye had improved substantially. Khan's family and personal physician maintain they can only confirm his true condition once they receive permission to visit him personally.
Authorities have consistently maintained that Khan is receiving appropriate facilities at the prison, a claim that his own attorney Salman Safdar endorsed after recently meeting with the imprisoned former leader. There has been no immediate official response from Islamabad regarding the cricketers' letter.
Political Context and Recent Developments
Political allies of Khan and lawmakers from his opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party ended a days-long sit-in outside parliament on Wednesday after doctors reported significant recovery in his right eye and confirmed no issues with his left eye. This development followed sustained pressure from Khan's supporters demanding improved medical attention.
Khan, now 73 years old, led Pakistan to their historic 1992 Cricket World Cup victory before transitioning to politics. He served as prime minister from 2018 until his ouster through a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022. The former cricket star has been imprisoned since 2023 following convictions on graft and other charges, which he maintains are politically motivated.
Despite his incarceration, Khan remains a central and influential figure in Pakistan's political landscape. He alleges his removal from office resulted from a U.S.-backed conspiracy involving political rivals and Pakistan's military, claims that have been denied by Washington, the military, and Prime Minister Sharif who succeeded him.
Broader Cricket Community Shows Support
The international cricket community's concern extends beyond the former captains who signed the letter. Several prominent Pakistani cricketers, including Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar, have publicly expressed worry about Khan's condition. This show of solidarity came after former Indian batter Ajay Jadeja encouraged Pakistani players to speak out about the situation.
Khan's cricket credentials are beyond dispute. He made his international debut against England in 1971, became captain in 1982, and retired soon after leading Pakistan to their only World Cup title in 1992. Widely regarded as one of cricket's finest all-rounders, he founded the PTI party in 1996 and rose to political power in 2018.
The cricketers' intervention represents a significant international spotlight on Khan's treatment, combining concerns about human rights, medical ethics, and the welfare of a sporting icon who has become a political prisoner in his own country.
