Basic Humanity for a Legend: Brian Lara makes an emotional plea to care for Imran Khan

West Indies’ Brian Lara has joined a growing list of former cricketers calling for jailed former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan to receive proper medical attention. Speaking on Saturday, Lara stressed that ensuring Imran is treated humanely is ultimately a matter of basic compassion and dignity.

The West Indies legend said in his Instagram post that he is shocked to see this the former Pakistan captain is not taken care of. Lara also said Khan must be given proper, independent medical care.

“Imran Khan and I have only crossed paths a few times on the field but the respect I have for him has been immediate and lasting,” Lara wrote in a post shared on social media.

“I struggled to understand how someone who was once a beacon of hope, pride and inspiration for his country, at the peak of his sporting career, could now find himself in a situation where he is not cared for and not treated with the compassion and dignity he deserves.

“I stand with my fellow former captains and ask that he be given the proper, independent medical care and dignity that every human being deserves. This is not politics. This is basic humanity for a legend of our game.”

Khan, 73, has been incarcerated in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail since 2023 after being convicted in corruption cases. Concerns about his health during his prolonged detention have drawn criticism from his family members as well as former cricketers from around the world.

Lara has a personal relationship with the former Pakistan captain, having faced the legendary all-rounder in four international matches during West Indies’ tour of Pakistan in late 1990.

Calls for medical help have also come from some of cricket’s biggest names. India’s Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil DevAlong with Australia’s Greg Chappell, they urged the authorities to ensure proper medical care for Imran. Australia captain Pat Cummins has also spoken publicly about the need for the former Pakistan captain to be treated with dignity.

The matter received renewed international attention after Imran’s sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, spoke to former England captain Michael Atherton during Sky Sports’ coverage of the second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord’s.

The interview was broadcast during the lunch break, with the brothers using the platform to raise their concerns about their father’s health and safety.

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Published on:

05 Sep 2026 23:06 IST