ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) –A group of 22 prominent international cricketers, including 21 former national captains, has appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure that jailed former prime minister Imran Khan receives medical examination and treatment in accordance with recent directives of the Supreme Court.
The appeal, reported by ESPNcricinfo, was signed by leading figures from international cricket who urged the government to facilitate a complete medical assessment of the former Pakistan captain and PTI founder.
The intervention follows controversy surrounding the implementation of the Supreme Court’s directions concerning Imran’s medical care.
On Aug 18, the Supreme Court directed the authorities to transfer Imran to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within two days for examination and treatment by a multidisciplinary medical board.
Imran was subsequently taken from Adiala Jail for medical examination, but to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) rather than Shifa International Hospital.
Reports later emerged that a recommended computed tomography angiography (CTA) could not be carried out at PIMS because the required facility was unavailable there.
Cricketers seek independent medical assessment
In their letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz, the former players stressed the importance of allowing the medical arrangements ordered by the Supreme Court to be implemented fully.
According to the reported contents of the appeal, the signatories raised concerns that Imran’s hospital visit lasted only a few hours and maintained that the medical process envisaged by the court had not been completed.
They called for the court-directed medical board, including Imran’s personal physicians, to be allowed to conduct a comprehensive and independent assessment of his condition.
The cricketers particularly highlighted concerns surrounding reported problems with the former premier’s right eye.
They also urged the authorities to ensure that any treatment recommended following the medical assessment was provided without unnecessary delay.
Weekly family meetings also raised
Besides medical treatment, the cricket greats called for compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions regarding weekly family meetings.
They urged the authorities to ensure such visits were held regularly without administrative obstacles or interruptions.
The signatories emphasised that their intervention was based on their association with Imran through international cricket rather than involvement in Pakistan’s political disputes.
They made clear that they were not attempting to determine the merits of Pakistan’s domestic political or legal controversies but were seeking implementation of measures concerning his health and welfare.
Cricket’s biggest names sign appeal
The signatories include some of the most recognisable figures in international cricket from several generations.
Among them are former England captains Michael Atherton, Michael Brearley, Alastair Cook, Michael Gatting, David Gower, Nasser Hussain and Andrew Strauss.
Australian greats Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Adam Gilchrist, Kim Hughes and Steve Waugh are also among those supporting the appeal.
India’s Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Dilip Vengsarkar joined the initiative, alongside West Indies legend Clive Lloyd, Sri Lanka’s Arjuna Ranatunga, New Zealand’s John Wright and Lee Germon, and former Australian women’s captain Alex Blackwell.
Many of the signatories either played against Imran during his international career or were prominent figures in world cricket during or after his playing years.
Previous concerns over Imran’s treatment
This is not the first time international cricket figures have expressed concern regarding Imran’s imprisonment and access to medical care.
Several former players had earlier called on Pakistani authorities to ensure adequate medical attention and appropriate treatment for the former cricket star.
Imran, who captained Pakistan to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup before entering politics, has been incarcerated since August 2023 and has faced convictions in multiple cases. He has maintained that cases against him are politically motivated, an allegation rejected by the government.
Imran Khan’s health remains political flashpoint
Concerns about Imran’s health have intensified following reports about problems affecting his right eye. His medical treatment and access to personal doctors have subsequently become major points of contention between PTI and the government.
PTI leaders have repeatedly demanded greater transparency concerning his health and unrestricted access to appropriate medical specialists, while government representatives have rejected allegations that the former premier is being deliberately denied necessary treatment.
The appeal from international cricket figures adds another dimension to the controversy because of Imran’s standing in world cricket before his political career.
Attention will now remain focused on whether further medical examinations are conducted and how the authorities implement the Supreme Court’s directives concerning his treatment and family access.
