It has been over three years since former Pakistan cricket captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan was put behind bars. The 74-year-old has garnered massive sympathy after it was reported that the current Pakistan government has denied him basic medical care. Ex-Australian skipper Greg Chappell, along with other former captains, wrote a letter urging the current government to show some leniency.
Former India player Ravi Shastri, known for his strong words, called out the Pakistan government over the treatment given to his former colleague. The 64-year-old, in his chat with Republic World, said, “I’m not a politician, but seeing how he has been treated today is shocking. No one treats any human being like this. I don’t think he deserves what he is getting.”
He also added, “Not just speaking for myself, but there are also many international cricketers around the world who will have the same sentiment. Hope he is doing well, and his health is fine.” Australia skipper Pat Cummins also supported Greg Chappell in his efforts.
“Hopefully, when he comes out, Imran is treated better. To sit in a cell, he doesn’t deserve it, because he is the most recognized Pakistani face world over. Whether you like it or not, that’s my view,” Shastri mentioned.
When Cricket nearly came to a standstill in England
During Pakistan’s recent tour of EnglandMichael Atherton sat down for an interview with Imran’s sons Kasim and Sulaiman. The chat was broadcast at lunchtime on day one of the second Test at Lord’s. It was reported that Pakistani Cricket management had voiced their angst over the interview being shown and contemplated not taking the field post-lunch.
“We have tried many times, but the visas are blocked for technical reasons. They don’t want us to go for one reason or the other, maybe out of fear that we are going to be active with efforts to get him out of jail,” Kasim said.
Javed Miandad, who was a long-time teammate of Imran Khan, requested the authorities to release the player. He got emotional and urged all the parties to sit down and talk over the issues and settle it amicably.
“He is also somebody’s son. I always think about him and wonder what he must be doing. We played together, supported each other, and we took Pakistan cricket forward. It is sad, and I wish that all the things he is going through get solved. One can sit down and solve it. This is unnecessary,”