Ex-Cricketers Demand Medical Attention for Imprisoned Imran Khan

A chorus of cricket legends is demanding immediate and adequate medical attention for former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated and reportedly suffering from deteriorating health. The appeal, signed by fourteen former international captains, including Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, underscores growing concerns over the treatment of the 73-year-old Khan while in custody.

The former captains, many of whom competed against Khan during his celebrated playing career, voiced their “deep concern” in a letter published Tuesday and addressed to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The letter details alarming reports regarding Khan’s health, particularly a recent and significant loss of vision in his right eye.

“Recent reports concerning his health – particularly 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 us profound concern,” the letter reads. The signatories emphasized the need for Khan to be treated with “dignity and basic human consideration befitting a former national leader and a global sporting icon.”

Among the prominent names joining the call for Khan’s well-being are Clive Lloyd, Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, John Wright, and David Gower – a collective representing a golden age of international cricket. Australian great Greg Chappell is credited with drafting the letter, highlighting the cross-border solidarity driving the appeal.

The urgency of the situation stems from recent claims made by a court-appointed lawyer, who alleged that Khan has been left with only 15 percent vision in his right eye after authorities allegedly ignored his complaints for three months. The lawyer’s report detailed a troubling picture of Khan’s declining health and prolonged isolation since his imprisonment in August 2023 on multiple charges.

However, a government-appointed medical board has countered these claims, reporting a significant improvement in Khan’s eyesight. This assessment has been vehemently rejected by Khan’s family, who question the impartiality of the examination given their limited access to the former Prime Minister.

“Without the physical presence of both his personal doctor and family representative, we categorically reject any claims made by the government regarding his examination, treatment or medical condition,” Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, told Al Jazeera. She also revealed ongoing difficulties in securing visas for Khan’s sons, Kasim and Suleman, who reside in the United Kingdom and have been attempting to visit their father since last year.

The situation is further complicated by Khan’s political background. He rose to power in 2018, but was ousted in 2022 through a no-confidence vote, which he alleges was orchestrated by the military and external forces. These allegations, denied by both the Pakistani military and the United States, continue to fuel political tensions within the country.

The letter from the cricket captains specifically requests that Khan receive immediate, adequate, and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing. It also calls for humane and dignified conditions of detention, including regular visits from close family members, and fair and transparent access to legal processes.

The appeal comes as supporters of Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have been staging protests and sit-ins outside the Pakistani parliament, expressing outrage over the denial of access to Khan and the physicians recommended by his family. The situation underscores the deep political divisions within Pakistan and the growing concerns over the treatment of opposition figures.

The former captains concluded their letter by emphasizing that their appeal is rooted in “the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity,” urging the Pakistani government to uphold “the principles of decency and justice.” The collective voice of these cricket icons adds significant weight to the growing calls for Khan to receive the medical attention and fair treatment he deserves.