Watch: "Purely a humanitarian concern" – former Indian captain explains letter to Pakistan PM for Imran Khan

Keeping all political issues aside, former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar made a humanitarian plea to the Pakistan government to give World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan proper medical care and respectful treatment. He, along with 14 other former captains, made the request after reports said that Imran has lost 85% of his eyesight. The reports said that the 1992 World Cup-winning captain has lost vision in his right eye due to alleged medical neglect while in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.

Gavaskar joined Kapil Dev, Mike Atherton (England), Allan Border, Ian Chappell and Greg Chappell (Australia), Clive Lloyd (West Indies), and John Wright (New Zealand), among others, in signing an open letter called “Appeal by Former International Cricket Captains” addressed to the Pakistan government, asking for fair treatment for Khan.

In a heartwarming gesture, Gavaskar recalled his long association with Imran while talking to India Today.

“I have known Imran since India played against Worcester in 1971. He was 17 then, trying to play as an overseas player. Since then, we have played against each other, captained our countries, and got to know each other very well,” Gavaskar said.

Watch the interview here:

Gavaskar Appeals for Imran Khan’s Humane Treatment

Sunil Gavaskar said he made the appeal on humanitarian grounds after hearing about Imran Khan’s recent health issues due to poor medical care.

“To see the news about his health problems made me want to make this appeal on humanitarian grounds. We are not talking about politics here. Political differences aside, this is only about helping a human being,” he said.

Gavaskar also reminded everyone that Imran gave Pakistan an identity in world cricket.

“Don’t forget, he is a hero who put Pakistan on the world map. He is one of the few cricketers known worldwide. He deserves proper care so he can recover. Whatever legal steps happen, they will happen, but at least he should get proper medical attention,” Gavaskar added.

Imran Khan, along with his wife Bushra Bibi, has been in jail since August 2023 after losing his political position in Pakistan. His latest corruption convictions have given him a total jail term of 31 years.

It will now be interesting to see if this plea by cricket legends has any effect or is ignored.