West Indies great Sir Vivian Richards, one of the most formidable batsmen in the history of international cricket, has openly raised his voice in support of former Prime Minister of Pakistan and 1992 World Cup winning captain Imran Khan. This Caribbean legend, who scored more than 8,500 Test and ODI runs in international cricket (a total of 9,031 international runs) and took 687 wickets in first class and List-A cricket, is heartbroken after seeing the deteriorating condition and conditions of his old rival and best friend in jail. Viv Richards has issued a public statement strongly advocating for the humane treatment of Imran Khan and the protection of his fundamental rights. 'Tough rivals on the field, firm friends for life' In the 70s and 80s, when Vivian Richards' deadly batting and Imran Khan's stormy reverse swing bowling faced each other on the field, it was considered the most exciting battle in the history of cricket. This intense rivalry on the field laid the foundation of a deep and unbreakable lifelong friendship between the two legends. Viv Richards in his emotional statement said that Imran Khan is the true hero not only of Pakistan but of world cricket. He said, "Imran is a warrior and one of the greatest ambassadors of the sport. On the field we fought tooth and nail against each other, but off the field he is a very close and respected friend of mine. To see them living in such inhumane conditions and deprived of basic human rights is extremely sad and worrying for sports fans around the world."
Imran Khan is lodged in Adiala jail, questions are being raised on his health. Former Prime Minister of Pakistan and founder of Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan has been lodged in the high security Adiala jail of Rawalpindi for a long time. In recent days, his party leaders, lawyers and family members have alleged that he has been kept in a small jail cell where basic amenities, electricity and even necessary medical check-ups are not being provided. After serious concerns were expressed by the family about his health, human rights organizations and sports personalities at the global level have started paying attention to it. Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis have also expressed concern. Before Sir Vivian Richards, many other international cricketers including former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Rameez Raja have also appealed for humane treatment of Imran Khan. Wasim Akram had said that the person who gave the country its first Cricket World Cup, built a cancer hospital and made Pakistan proud across the world, should not be treated like a criminal because of political differences. Demand for humanity from the sports world: This appeal by Sir Vivian Richards has once again drawn the attention of international media and sports lovers towards the internal political developments of Pakistan and the situation of the former captain. Richards clarified that his demand is not in support of any political party, but a humanitarian appeal for the safety of the health and life of Imran Khan, a human being, a fellow player and a role model for millions of youth around the world.