Give Imran Khan proper medical care, cricket legends urge Pakistani gov’t

Twenty-one former international cricket captains have urged Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan receives timely and independent medical care. The cricketers, including prominent figures like Sunil Gavaskar and Clive Lloyd, expressed concern over Khan's deteriorating health and alleged mistreatment. They requested an independent health assessment by a medical board including Khan's own doctors, reinstatement of family visits, and prompt provision of recommended treatment. This appeal follows a Supreme Court order for Khan's transfer to a private hospital, which his party claims was not fully honored. The signatories emphasized that ensuring a court-ordered medical process is a matter of basic decency.

Fourteen former international cricket captains, including prominent figures from England, India, and Australia, have urged Pakistan to provide "proper medical care" for former Prime Minister and cricket captain Imran Khan. They stated that complying with a court-ordered medical assessment is a matter of "basic decency." This follows an earlier appeal in February for humane treatment and medical care, with Khan's lawyer claiming he had significantly reduced vision in his right eye due to a lack of action by prison authorities. The signatories, who describe themselves as former colleagues and rivals, emphasized that their bond transcends national disputes. Imran Khan, who captained Pakistan's cricket team and served as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, has been imprisoned since August 2023 and faces numerous charges, which he and his party claim are politically motivated.

A group of 22 former international cricket captains, including prominent figures from India and Australia, have sent a second letter to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, renewing their appeal for the medical treatment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. This appeal follows Khan's recent medical examination at a government hospital, after which doctors declared him medically fit. The cricketers expressed concern that the examination did not adhere to a Supreme Court order for a medical board including Khan's personal physicians. Khan's family and lawyers have accused the government of defying court orders regarding his medical care, allegations the government denies, citing security reasons and the presence of Khan's supporters outside a private hospital. The government maintains Khan is a convicted prisoner and has rejected claims of mistreatment and medical neglect, stating he has received numerous visits.