By Asif Naveed
Sports Desk (MNN); Legendary Indian cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, along with about a dozen former international captains, have called for improved prison conditions and medical care for former prime minister and renowned all-rounder Imran Khan.
The 73-year-old Imran Khan has been in jail since August 2023 after being convicted in multiple cases. He and his supporters say the cases were politically motivated after he was removed from power in a parliamentary vote in 2022.
Last week in the Supreme Court, Imran Khan’s lawyer Salman Safdar told judges that the former premier had suffered significant loss of vision in his right eye while in custody. On Monday, a medical board reported that after treatment the swelling had decreased and his vision had improved.
On Tuesday, Gavaskar and Kapil Dev signed a petition expressing “deep concern” over Imran Khan’s treatment and the conditions of his imprisonment. The campaign is being led by former Australian captain Greg Chappell, who played in the same era as Imran.
Also signing the petition were former Australia captains Ian Chappell, Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Belinda Clark and Kim Hughes; former England captains Mike Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Mike Brearley and David Gower; West Indies great Clive Lloyd; and New Zealand coach and player John Wright.
In their petition, they said many of them had competed against Imran, shared the field with him, or admired his all-round talent, charisma, and competitive spirit. They noted that recent reports about his health — especially 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 them serious concern.
The former cricketers wrote that as athletes who understand the values of fair play, honor and respect, they believe someone of Imran Khan’s stature deserves to be treated with dignity and basic human consideration, both as a former national leader and a global sporting figure.
They respectfully urged the Government of Pakistan to ensure that Imran Khan receives immediate and adequate medical care, dignified treatment, and unrestricted access to legal processes.
“Our shared history on the field reminds us that rivalry ends when the stumps are drawn — and respect endures,” the petition stated. “Imran Khan embodied that spirit throughout his career.”
Meanwhile, the office of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told AFP that it has not yet received the captains’ statement.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party issued a statement on its X account thanking the international cricketers for raising their voices against what it called the injustices being committed against the former prime minister. The party expressed hope that cricketers will continue to extend their full support to Imran Khan until what they described as justice and fairness are achieved.
PTI also called on current and veteran cricketers around the world to speak out in favor of the incarcerated leader and against what it described as “this injustice.”
“One of cricket’s greatest legends is currently languishing in prison as the victim of a political vendetta and injustice, where he is being deprived of basic human rights and essential medical facilities,” the party added.
Last week, Pakistan’s cricketing community also voiced concern about the health of the former captain and called on authorities to ensure he receives the best possible care.
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram, who was part of the 1992 World Cup-winning squad, said it was “heartbreaking” to learn that Imran Khan was facing health issues. Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said he was “deeply saddened” to hear the news about Imran losing vision in his eye.
