‘This is not politics’: Brian Lara backs Imran Khan, calls for dignity and proper medical care for Pakistan legend

Brian Lara and Imran Khan Former West Indies captain Brian Lara has become the latest prominent cricket figure to show support for jailed former Pakistan captain Imran Khan, calling for proper medical care and humane treatment for the 1992 World Cup-winning captain.Lara took to Instagram to express her concern over Khan’s situation, saying she struggles to understand how a sporting icon who once inspired the country could now find himself in a situation where, in Lara’s opinion, he was not given the compassion and dignity he deserved.“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 on her Instagram post.“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. It is basic humanity for a legend of our game,” he added.

Lara joins a growing chorus of cricketing greats

Lara’s intervention comes amid growing concern among former and current international cricketers over Khan’s health and treatment in custody.A group of former international captains, led by former Australian captain Greg Chappell, has repeatedly called for Khan to receive an independent medical assessment, permanent access to the family and any treatment recommended by doctors. The latest challenge was signed by 21 former captains, including Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Allan Border, Michael Atherton, Steve Waugh, Adam Gilchrist and Nasser Hussain.The signatories described themselves as former colleagues and rivals whose bond was forged on the cricket field and urged the authorities to ensure the proper completion of the forensic medical process.Their concerns centered mainly on reports of significant vision problems affecting Khan’s right eye. The 73-year-old has been in custody since 2023 after being convicted in corruption cases he denied, while his supporters described the cases as politically motivated.

Cummins also supports the appeal

Australian captain Pat Cummins has also previously publicly supported the campaign, becoming one of the most prominent active international cricketers to speak out about Khan’s treatment.“I add my support to GC (Greg Chappell) and other former international captains. I hope the court orders a medical and family visits continue.”“I hope Imran Khan is treated with the dignity anyone deserves,” Cummins wrote on X.The campaign called for three key measures: a comprehensive health assessment by a Supreme Court-directed medical board that includes Khan’s personal doctors, uninterrupted weekly family visits and immediate implementation of any recommended medical care.Former Pakistani cricketers, including Moin Khan, have also raised their voices on the issue, with Moin recently urging other cricketers to speak up for the former captain’s welfare.