Seven Former Australian Cricket Captains Raise Concerns Over Imran Khan’s Detention
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Seven former Australian cricket captains have written to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, expressing concern over the continued detention of former Pakistan prime minister and ex-cricket captain Imran Khan.
According to reports, the former players described their intervention as a matter of “basic humanity” and said they were speaking out because of concerns about the treatment of a person in detention.
Former Captains Address Australian Foreign Minister
The signatories include Australian cricket greats Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Kim Hughes, Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh.
In their letter, the former captains said they were writing in their capacity as former cricket leaders rather than as political figures or diplomats.
They clarified that they were not taking a position on the legal or political issues surrounding Imran Khan’s case, saying those matters were for Pakistan to address.
Instead, they focused on what they described as the importance of ensuring appropriate treatment for anyone held in detention, regardless of their political views.
Australia Says It Raises Imran Khan’s Case
A spokesperson for Penny Wong said Australia regularly discusses Imran Khan’s case with Pakistani authorities.
The spokesperson also said Australia continues to encourage the relevant authorities to ensure that Imran Khan has access to appropriate medical care.
Imran Khan, 73, has been in prison since 2023. He and his wife were sentenced to 17 years in prison late last year in a corruption case, allegations they have denied.
International Cricket Community Has Raised Concerns
The latest letter is not the first time former international cricketers have spoken about Imran Khan’s detention and medical treatment.
In August, 22 international cricketers, including several of the former Australian captains who signed the latest letter, appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for medical treatment for Imran in accordance with directions issued by Pakistan’s Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court had directed authorities in August to move Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for examination and treatment by a multidisciplinary medical board. He was subsequently taken to the government-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences instead.
Earlier this year, former Indian cricket stars Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev also joined other former international captains in calling for better prison conditions for Imran Khan.
Pakistan Government Rejects Prison Treatment Allegations
The Pakistani government has maintained that Imran Khan’s imprisonment is being managed according to the Pakistan Prison Rules, relevant judicial directions and security arrangements for a high-profile prisoner.
Officials have also rejected allegations that he is being subjected to punitive solitary confinement, cruelty or deprivation.
The latest intervention by the former Australian captains adds to international calls for attention to Imran Khan’s welfare and access to medical care while he remains in custody.
