Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan has been behind bars for the last three years, and legendary cricketers continue to support him. 21 former captains recently wrote to the Pakistan government, urging the Prime Minister to provide better treatment to Imran, who is one of the greatest all-rounders of all time. And now Michael Holding has joined the list of players who are backing the jailed player. Holding was one of the best fast bowlers of his time, and he is wary of the politics behind Khan’s imprisonment. He spoke about Imran Khan’s qualities.
Holding and Imran didn’t come up against each other a lot in international cricket, but they spent time together. He was with Imran Khan when the veteran was in London to raise funds for a cancer hospital.
“I don’t want to talk about politics and take that route. I will mention Imran Khan’s name. He played a big role in the rise of cricket in Pakistan, and I played with him, but not a lot of matches. I played a few ODI games with him. We were against each other in county cricket, but apart from playing with him, I have spent time with him,” Holding said during a chat with Sports Now.
“When Imran was going around in London to seek funds for the cancer hospital, I went with him. I wanted to support him to the best of my abilities. I know the man and knew what type of person he is. It is sad about his current situation and what is going on with him,” he added.
Holding slammed the Pakistan government and expressed disappointment at the way the authorities are treating the country’s most successful cricketer.
“I support the captains who wrote two letters for Imran Khan. I don’t know what impact it will have, but Imran deserves treatment like other human beings. You don’t treat humans that way. Even the murderers are not treated that way. I don’t see any reason why this man is not getting proper treatment,” Holding mentioned.
“I don’t know if there is a jealousy factor behind it. Imran Khan is one of the famous personalities of Pakistan. The way he is being treated is just ridiculous,” he added.
Recently, Imran Khan’s sons spoke to former England skipper Michael Atherton about the deteriorating health of the former player in prison. They alleged that the Pakistan government is not allowing them to meet their father. His worsening condition has led to strong reactions from Javed Miandad, Moin Khan and Wasim Akram.