Give Imran Khan proper medical care, cricket legends urge Pakistani gov’t

Former Pakistani Prime Minister and cricket icon Imran Khan requires "humane treatment and proper medical care," assert 21 cricket legends in a letter obtained by Al Jazeera. The letter, addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, calls for an independent health assessment, reinstated family visits, and prompt medical treatment for the 73-year-old, who has been incarcerated for three years.

Khan's legal battle began in 2020 when he was charged with a series of offenses. Following a Supreme Court order on Tuesday, Khan was transferred from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital, a privately-run facility. However, his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), filed a contempt petition on Saturday after Khan was relocated to a state-run institution instead of the private hospital ordered by the court.

The cricket greats, including legends Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Clive Lloyd, Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, John Wright, and David Gower, penned the letter, emphasizing their shared bond forged on the cricket field. They assert that the recent events have compelled them to intervene, reiterating their concerns over Khan's deteriorating health and mistreatment during his imprisonment.