What will Team India do in Ahmedabad today? Practice timing, playing XI, press conference and more
Khan has been in prison for over 800 days and his condition is deteriorating, raising serious concerns about his treatment in prison. Days ago, a court-appointed lawyer claimed the jailed former prime minister was left with only 15% vision in his right eye after authorities allegedly ignored his complaints for three months, adding another layer of controversy over his imprisonment. Signed by Gavaskar, Kapil, Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, former Australian women’s captain Belinda Clark, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Steve Waugh and former India coach John Wright, our appeal is signed (TOI copy) national cricket teams, write with deep concern over the reported treatment and conditions of imprisonment of Imran Khan, the eminent former captain of Pakistan and legendary figures of world cricket. We remind Pakistan’s government, led by {rom Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Imran’s huge cricketing success, the former international cricket captain’s appeal to major states: “Imran Khan’s contribution to the game is universally admired. As captain, he led Pakistan to a historic victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup – a triumph that was inspired by sportsmanship and restructuring across generations. “Many of us competed against him, shared the court with him, or grew up idolizing his all-around brilliance, charisma and competitive spirit. He remains one of the best all-rounders and captains the sport has ever seen, earning the respect of players, fans and administrators alike. Apart from cricket, Imran Khan served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan and led his nation through a challenging period. Regardless of political perspectives, he has the honor of being democratically elected to the highest office in his country. Expressing deep concern over Imran’s deteriorating health in prison, the former cricket captains said: “Recent reports regarding his health – particularly the alarming deterioration of his eyesight in custody – and the conditions of his imprisonment over the past two-and-a-half years have caused us deep concern. As fellow cricketers who understand that beyond the values of rope, fair play, Imran Khan’s character deserves to be treated with dignity and basic human respect befitting a former national leader and world sports icon. The appeal calls for “immediate and adequate medical care to address his reported health problems: “We respectfully call on the Government of Pakistan to ensure that Imran Khan receives: Immediate, adequate and permanent medical care from qualified specialists of his choice to address his reported health problems. Humane and dignified conditions of detention in accordance with international standards, including regular visits by close family members. Fair and transparent access to legal processes without unnecessary delays or obstacles.” A letter from the 14 captains to the Pakistan government said the challenge was made “in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity without prejudice to any due process”. “Cricket has long been a bridge between nations. Our shared history on the field reminds us that rivalries end when the stumps are pulled – and respect endures. Imran Khan embodied this spirit throughout his career. We call on the authorities to respect him now and uphold principles of decency and fairness.” This appeal is made in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity without prejudice to any legal proceedings.” The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party founded by Khan, expressed “deep concern” in a statement last week and strongly condemned the treatment given to him “especially in view of the severe deterioration of his eyesight”.