Gavaskar, Kapil Dev join global appeal for better prison treatment of Imran Khan

NEW DELHI: Indian cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev have joined a group of former international captains in calling for improved prison conditions and medical care for former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, “one of the finest former all-rounders” of the game.

In a joint petition, the cricketers expressed “deep concern” over Khan’s health and treatment in custody. Khan, 73, has been jailed since August 2023 after being convicted in multiple cases that he maintains were politically motivated following his removal from office through a parliamentary vote in 2022.

Last week, Khan’s lawyer told the Supreme Court of Pakistan that the former cricket star had suffered a significant loss of vision in his right eye while in prison. A medical board said on Monday that swelling had subsided following treatment and that his eyesight had shown improvement.

Despite strained relations between India and Pakistan, including military tensions last year, Gavaskar and Kapil were among more than a dozen former captains who signed the appeal highlighting concerns about Khan’s health and conditions of detention.

“Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or grew up idolising his all-round brilliance, charisma and competitive spirit,” the petition stated.

“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 signatories said that, as cricketers who uphold values of fair play and respect, they believed Khan deserved dignified treatment befitting a former national leader and global sporting icon.

Among those who signed the petition were former Australia captains Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Allan Border and Steve Waugh, as well as Belinda Clark and Kim Hughes.

Former England captains Mike Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Mike Brearley and David Gower also endorsed the appeal, alongside Clive Lloyd of the West Indies and John Wright of New Zealand.

The former captains urged the Pakistan government to ensure immediate and adequate medical attention for Khan, provide dignified treatment and allow unhindered access to legal processes.

“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,” the petition said.

Khan represented Pakistan in 88 Tests and 175 One-Day Internationals between 1971 and 1992, leading the team to its only ODI World Cup triumph in 1992.

His son, Kasim Khan, told Reuters that while his father’s health was the immediate concern, broader issues remained, including his freedom, adherence to human rights standards and ensuring a fair trial in accordance with the rule of law.