Sunil Gavaskar makes emotional appeal for Imran Khan’s ‘proper’ medical care: ‘Political differences aside…’

Indian legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has made a second appeal to the Pakistan government to provide best medical care to former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently serving jail term in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. Gavaskar’s first appeal was made through a letter that has been signed by 13 other former captains including Kapil Dev.

In the joint appeal made by Gavaskar, Kapil, Mike Atherton, David Gower, Allan Border, Ian Chappell, Greg Chappell, Clive Lloyd, John Wright, Steve Waugh, Belinda Clark, Kim Hughes, Michael Brearley and Nasser Hussain, the legendary captains asked the Pakistan government to provide adequate medical care to Imran Khan after reports emerged that he has lost 85% of vision in the right eye due to neglect and poor conditions in the jail.

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Gavaskar makes emotional appeal for Imran Khan's betterment

Now in an emotional appeal through a video interview that was given to India Today, Gavaskar recalled his long association with Imran Khan, while also adding that he appeals for better medical facility for the 1992 World Cup-winning captain not as a political intervention but on the “humanitarian” grounds.

“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 said.

Gavaskar also underlined that Imran Khan is one of Pakistan’s true global hero, and the government must grant him proper medical care.

“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.”

The legendary all-rounder Imran Khan entered politics after retiring from cricket. The 73-year-old established the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in 1996, and served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022.

He has been in jail since May 2023 in corruption-related cases, which many claim have been fabricated to stop him from being politically active.