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A group of legendary former international cricketers has appealed to the Pakistani government to provide “immediate and appropriate treatment” to former cricket captain and prime minister Imran Khan, who was reportedly denied proper medical treatment while in prison.
In a letter published by Australian media on Tuesday, 14 former captains, many of whom played against Khan, raised concerns about his deteriorating health and allegations of abuse during his imprisonment.
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“We write with deep concern about the media coverage and prison conditions of Imran Khan, Pakistan’s eminent former captain and a legend in world cricket,” the letter said.
Signatories include Khan’s contemporary and Cricket Hall of Famer Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Clive Lloyd, Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, John Wright and David Gower.
A popular player, Khan played 88 Test matches and 175 One-Day Internationals for Pakistan from 1971 to 1992, leading his country to its first World Cup victory in 1992.
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-round players and perhaps one of Pakistan’s greatest cricketers.
Former cricketer expresses ‘grave concerns’
The petition signed by the cricketers was drafted by Greg Chappell and delivered to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday afternoon, The Age reported.
“Recent reports regarding his health, particularly the alarming deterioration of his vision while in custody and the circumstances of his incarceration over the past two and a half years, have caused us deep concern,” the former cricketers wrote.
Last week, his public defender claimed that authorities allegedly ignored Mr. Khan’s complaints for three months, leaving him with only 15% vision in his right eye.
The lawyer’s report highlighted an alarming picture of the 73-year-old man’s declining health and prolonged isolation since being jailed in August 2023 on dozens of charges. The newspaper said Khan had experienced rapid and significant loss of vision during the past three months in custody.
“He (Mr Khan) stated that he then suffered sudden and complete loss of vision in his right eye,” the report said.
A government-appointed medical board examined the jailed former leader and reported that his eyesight had significantly improved, a claim rejected by Khan’s family.
Aleema Khan, the former prime minister’s sister, told Al Jazeera: “We categorically reject any claims made by the government regarding his examination, treatment or medical condition without the presence of his personal physician and family representative.”
Mr. Khan became prime minister in a 2018 election, which opponents say was manipulated in his favor by the powerful military. Four years later, relations between Washington and Khan soured and he was removed from office in a vote of no confidence that the military claimed was orchestrated in collusion with Pakistan’s political opponents.
These claims were denied by both the Pakistani military and the United States.
“Following the principles of decency and justice”
The appeal, which was also signed by former captains Michael Atherton, Michael Brearley, Belinda Clarke, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain and Steve Waugh, said a man of Imran Khan’s stature deserved to be treated with “the dignity and basic human consideration befitting a former national leader and global sporting icon”.
Former cricketers called on the Pakistani government to ensure that Mr. Khan receives:
Immediate, appropriate and ongoing medical treatment by a qualified professional of his choice to address the reported health problem. Humane and dignified detention conditions in line with international standards, including regular visits by next of kin. Fair and transparent access to legal proceedings without undue delay or hindrance.
Supporters of Mr. Khan, members of his political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and their allies have been holding protests and sit-ins outside Pakistan’s parliament in recent days, deploring the denial of access to Mr. Khan’s family and the doctors they recommended.
“Mr. Imran’s sons have been trying to visit Pakistan since last year and have applied multiple times but their visas have not been processed. They have neither been refused nor approved and are at a loss,” Mr. Khan’s sister said of Mr. Khan’s two sons, Qasim and Suleman, who are British nationals.
In the letter, the former captains said they are appealing to Sharif’s government to respect and uphold “principles of decency and justice.”
“This appeal is made in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity and is without prejudice to any legal proceedings,” the letter concludes.
