Imran Khan has reportedly lost vision in his right eye due to alleged medical negligence in prison.
Keeping aside the old rivalry and current geopolitical climate, Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar made a 'humanitarian' plea to the Pakistan government to provide World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan with adequate medical care and dignified conditions in line with international standards.
Gavaskar, along with 14 other former captains, made the plea after reports of Imran losing 85 per cent of his eyesight emerged in the media.
According to reports, the cricketer-turned-politician has lost vision in his right eye due to alleged medical negligence while in custody at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.
Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar recalled his association with Imran, which dates back to 1971 when the Pakistan great was trying to qualify as an overseas player for English county side Worcestershire.
“I have known Imran since India played against Worcester way back in 1971. He was a 17-year-old then, trying to qualify 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.
“To see the news about his recent health issues due to inadequate treatment made me want to make this appeal on humanitarian grounds. We are not entering any political discussions here. Political differences aside, this is purely a humanitarian concern,” he added.
Gavaskar went on to say that it was Imran who put Pakistan on the world map and gave the nation an identity.
“Don’t forget, he’s a hero who put Pakistan on the world map. He is one of the rare cricketers who is world-famous. He deserves humane treatment so he can recover. Whatever legal procedures take place, that will happen, but at least ensure he is in proper medical care,” he remarked.
Imran Khan, 73, entered politics after announcing retirement from cricket. He founded the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022. He has been serving multiple prison terms since 2023 on corruption convictions and other charges.