Delhi, New Delhi:In a letter, a number of former international cricket captains and cricketing greats, including India's Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, urged the Pakistani government to treat their World Cup-winning captain and former prime minister Imran Khan equitably while he is in prison. Concern over Imran's health while in custody has grown, particularly after he informed medical personnel during his examination on Sunday, February 14, that he had severe vision loss.
Up to 14 former captains signed the statement, which was made public on February 17 and emphasized Imran Khan's contributions to cricket. It mentioned how he led Pakistan to their historic World Cup victory in 1992 and how he is still regarded as one of the greatest captains and all-round players in history.
After competing and sharing the field with him, the former captains have called for Imran Khan to get prompt, sufficient media attention from trained experts. They also requested that close family members visit on a regular basis.
What does the letter say?Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Sunil Gavaskar, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Kapil Dev, Stephen Waugh, and John Wright have all signed the letter. The letter's contents are listed below:
"We, the undersigned former captains of our national cricket teams, express our grave concern about the treatment and conditions of confinement of Imran Khan, a legendary figure in world cricket and a distinguished former captain of Pakistan.Everyone appreciates Imran Khan's contributions to the game. As captain, he guided Pakistan to a historic Cricket World Cup victory in 1992, a victory based on talent, tenacity, leadership, and sportsmanship that motivated people from all walks of life.
"A large number of us either shared the field with him, competed against him, or grew up admiring his charisma, competitive spirit, and all-around talent. He continues to be regarded by players, supporters, and administrators alike as one of the best all-around players and captains the sport has ever seen.
"In addition to playing cricket, Imran Khan led Pakistan through a difficult time as prime minister. He is proud to have been democratically elected to the highest position in his nation, regardless of political views.We are deeply concerned about the conditions of his confinement over the last two and a half years and recent reports regarding his health, especially the concerning decline in his vision while in custody.
As fellow cricket players who recognize the principles of honor, fair play, and respect that cut across the boundary line, we think that someone of Imran Khan's caliber ought to be accorded the respect and decency that a former national leader and international sporting icon deserves.We humbly request that the Pakistani government make sure Imran Khan gets:
prompt, sufficient, and continuous medical care for his stated health concerns from licensed professionals of his choosing.international standards for humane and respectable detention conditions, including frequent visits from close relatives.Access to legal procedures should be equitable, transparent, and free from excessive delay or obstruction.Read More