Cricket greats unite despite rivalries to urge Pakistan to ensure dignified treatment of Imran Khan | Life in Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Fourteen former international cricket captains from six countries, including Indian legends Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, have made a rare joint appeal to the Pakistan government, urging it to ensure humane treatment, adequate medical care and fair legal access to imprisoned former Pakistani prime minister and World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan.

The appeal, signed by some of the most famous figures in world cricket, comes amid growing international concern over the reported deterioration of Khan’s health during his imprisonment at Adiala Prison in Rawalpindi. The former Pakistan captain, who led his country to its only Cricket World Cup title in 1992, has been in custody since August 2023 and is currently serving prison sentences in several cases.

The signatories stressed that their appeal was made in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity and was not intended to interfere with Pakistan’s judicial process. Instead, they called on authorities to ensure Khan is treated in accordance with internationally recognized humanitarian standards.

“We, the undersigned, former captains of our national cricket teams, write with deep concern regarding the treatment and conditions of incarceration of Imran Khan,” the letter said.

It adds that recent reports of Khan’s deteriorating health, particularly regarding his eyesight while in detention, have caused deep concern among former players who either competed against him or admired his exploits on the cricket field.

The appeal says that whatever the political differences, Imran Khan deserves to be treated with the dignity befitting a former prime minister-elect and one of the greatest cricketers the game has produced.

“As cricketers who understand the values ​​of fair play, honor and respect that transcend boundaries, we believe that a person of Imran Khan’s stature deserves to be treated with the dignity and basic human consideration befitting a former national leader and global sporting icon,” the letter said.

The former captains specifically urged the Pakistani government to provide Khan with immediate and continued medical treatment by doctors of his choice, ensure humane conditions of detention in line with international standards, including regular meetings with his immediate family members, and ensure fair and transparent access to legal proceedings, without delay or undue hindrance.

The appeal emphasizes that these requests are humanitarian in nature and are made without prejudice to the ongoing legal proceedings against Khan.

The initiative was reportedly spearheaded by former Australian captain Greg Chappell. According to former England captain Michael Atherton, writing in The Times of London, Chappell brought together former captains from different cricketing nations to make a joint appeal amid growing concerns over Khan’s health.

Speaking to the media, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar said he had no hesitation in signing the call-up after being approached by Chappell.

“Greg Chappell sent me a message asking if I would sign the appeal with the other former skippers and I immediately agreed,” Gavaskar said.

Recalling his long association with the former Pakistan captain, Gavaskar said he had known Imran Khan since the age of 17 during England’s tour of India.

“I have known Imran since he was 17 years old… Regardless of the political differences there, we believe that he should be cared for in a humane manner and given proper medical care,” Gavaskar was quoted as saying.

Former Indian captain Kapil Dev also confirmed his support for the call. “The former international captains and I have signed the letter. I stand by what is said in the letter regarding Imran Khan,” Kapil told The Indian Express.

Besides Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, the appeal was signed by former captains Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Kim Hughes, Steve Waugh and Belinda Clark of Australia; Michael Brearley, Michael Atherton, David Gower and Nasser Hussain from England; Clive Lloyd of the West Indies; and John Wright from New Zealand.

The signatories noted that many of them had played against or shared the field with Imran Khan during his international career spanning over two decades. They described him as one of cricket’s best all-rounders whose leadership inspired generations of players across the world.

The letter recalls Khan’s role in leading Pakistan to its historic World Cup triumph in 1992 and asserts that his achievements have earned him worldwide respect among cricket players, administrators and fans. He also notes that beyond cricket, he served as the democratically elected Prime Minister of Pakistan from 2018 to 2022.

Reports cited in the appeal claim that Khan’s health has deteriorated significantly in prison, and that he is particularly concerned about the loss of vision in his right eye. Michael Atherton reported that the former Pakistan captain was on the verge of losing sight in one eye.

The call also refers to concerns previously expressed by the United Nations special rapporteur on torture regarding Khan’s conditions of detention. According to the communication cited by the signatories, Khan spent prolonged periods in solitary confinement, remained confined to his cell for up to 23 hours a day, strictly limited his contact with the outside world and was constantly monitored by cameras.

Support for improved medical care for Khan has also emerged within Pakistan’s cricket fraternity. Former Pakistan captains and teammates Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis have publicly urged authorities to ensure Khan receives appropriate medical treatment. Similar calls were made by Ramiz Raja, Shoaib Akhtar and Shahid Afridi. Concluding their appeal, the former captains said cricket had historically served as a bridge between nations and people despite political differences.

“Our shared history on the field reminds us that rivalry ends when the stumps are drawn – and that respect endures,” the letter said.

Pakistani authorities have previously maintained that the criminal proceedings against Imran Khan were carried out in accordance with the law and rejected allegations that the prosecution of Imran Khan was politically motivated. Government officials have repeatedly stated that no individual, regardless of political stature or public position, is above the law.

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