Test cricketers appeal to Pakistani government over prison treatment

Fourteen former international cricket captains from five Test teams have appealed to the Pakistan government to request better prison treatment for Imran Khan, amid serious fears for the health of the 73-year-old ex-captain and prime minister.

The petition, drafted by former Australian skipper Greg Chappell and delivered to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday afternoon, has also been undersigned by former Indian captains Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, plus the likes of Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark and Kim Hughes.

England’s Mike Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Mike Brearley and David Gower have also signed, alongside Clive Lloyd from the West Indies and John Wright from New Zealand.

“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 former captains wrote.

“As fellow cricketers who understand the values of fair play, honour, and respect that transcend the boundary rope, 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 a global sporting icon.”

Greg Chappell was moved to write the petition and request support from around the cricket world following recent report about Imran’s deteriorating condition in Rawalpindi’s Adiala prison, where he has been confined since being jailed on corruption charges a little over two years ago.

“We respectfully urge the government of Pakistan to ensure that Imran Khan receives immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing to address his reported health issues,” the former captains wrote.

“Humane and dignified conditions of detention in line with international standards, including regular visits by close family members. Fair and transparent access to legal processes without undue delay or hindrance.

“Cricket has long been a bridge between nations. Our shared history on the field reminds us that rivalry ends when the stumps are drawn – and respect endures.

“Imran Khan embodied that spirit throughout his career.

“We call on authorities to honour it now by upholding the principles of decency and justice.”

Gavaskar, a hugely influential voice in India and a popular commentator, said of Imran: “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 and not just rivals on the field.”

Imran’s supporters have argued for his release on medical grounds, citing the loss of 85 per cent of vision in his right eye, while also decrying the fact he has been denied visits by his family and his personal physician.

“He’s in a very small cell, which has been described as a ‘death cell’ because this is where they’ve held people who are on death row,” his son Sulaiman said in December.

“Sometimes the electricity is cut off. Sometimes he won’t be allowed reading materials.

“I hated him being in politics when I was younger. I was constantly worried because I would hear stories that his life was in danger. There have been two incidents already where he almost died: in 2013, he fell off a 20-foot platform during a rally in Lahore, and three years ago he was shot.

“As an adult, I have a different perspective on it now. Selfishly, I would love to be able to see him and for him to be with us here. But I also want him to keep going because this is what he sees as his mission.”

Imran and his wife Bushra Bibi have been imprisoned since August 2023, following Imran’s ousting from the leadership of Pakistan the previous year.

He has subsequently faced an ever-mounting pile of corruption charges, currently amounting to a 31-year jail sentence after the most recent verdict passed in December.

“The water that he showers in is not just dirty, but discoloured,” his other son Kasim said.

Click here to read article