Former India captain Sourav Ganguly backed a group of former international cricket captains who have called for fair treatment and proper medical care for Imran Khan.
Ganguly said the appeal was justified and stressed that the cricketer-turned-politician deserves appropriate care in recognition of his contributions to Pakistan as both national team captain and Prime Minister.
“They have done the right thing,” Ganguly told reporters, referring to the former captains’ appeal. “I hope his health recovers and I hope he gets the right treatment because he has taken Pakistan to the world map being captain of the Pakistan cricket team and then Prime Minister of Pakistan, so he should be looked after, and I expect him to.”
Indian cricket greats Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev were among 14 former national captains who signed a letter expressing “deep concern” over Khan’s reported deteriorating health. The letter urged the Pakistan government to ensure adequate medical care and dignified detention conditions in line with international standards.
Other signatories included Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Steve Waugh, and J. Wright.
“We, the undersigned former captains of our national cricket teams, write with deep concern regarding the reported treatment and incarceration conditions of Imran Khan, the distinguished former Captain of Pakistan and a legendary figure in world cricket,” the letter stated.
The appeal follows recent accounts regarding Khan’s condition at Adiala Prison, where he has been held since his conviction in corruption-related cases. Supporters have raised concerns about his health, alleging significant vision loss and limited access to personal medical care and family visits.
In their appeal, the former captains requested immediate and ongoing medical attention from specialists of Khan’s choosing, humane and dignified detention conditions including family visits, and fair and transparent access to legal processes.