UPDATE: Fourteen former international cricket captains have urgently appealed to the Pakistan government for better prison conditions for Imran Khan, reflecting grave concerns over the health of the former prime minister. The plea, spearheaded by former Australian captain Greg Chappell, was presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier today, amid alarming reports of Khan’s deteriorating health and the stark conditions of his confinement.
The cricket icons, including Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and Allan Border, issued a statement expressing profound worry about Khan’s vision loss, which has reportedly reached 85 percent. They emphasized that he deserves humane treatment befitting a global sporting icon and former national leader.
“Recent reports concerning his health—particularly the alarming deterioration of his vision while in custody—have caused us profound concern,” the captains stated. They called for immediate medical attention from qualified specialists, humane detention conditions, and fair access to legal processes.
Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned in Rawalpindi’s Adiala prison since August 2023 on corruption charges, is facing a staggering 31-year jail sentence following recent verdicts. His family has highlighted the dire conditions of his imprisonment, describing his cell as a “death cell,” where he experiences frequent electricity outages and lacks basic reading materials.
Gavaskar, a prominent voice in cricket, stated, “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.” This sentiment echoes the broader humanitarian concerns voiced by the cricket community.
Khan’s family has also raised alarms over his treatment, asserting that he has been denied visits from loved ones and medical professionals. His son, Sulaiman Khan, described the psychological toll of imprisonment, stating, “It’s psychological torture that they’re employing to try to break him. But he’s very, very tough to break.”
The international cricket community’s unprecedented plea highlights not only Khan’s plight but also the bridge cricket forms between nations. The letter underscores a call for dignity and respect, pushing for the principles of decency and justice to prevail.
As developments unfold, the world watches closely. The former captains’ plea signifies a growing concern for Khan’s wellbeing and the urgent need for intervention. Authorities are now under pressure to respond to these humanitarian cries, emphasizing the importance of compassion and fairness in this high-profile case.
This story is developing, and updates will follow as the situation progresses.
