In a significant appeal for humanitarian treatment, former Indian cricket captain
Call for Adequate Medical Attention
Kapil Dev articulated that the focus of their appeal is solely on Khan’s health and well-being, distinctly separating it from the legal issues surrounding him. During a conversation with NDTV, he stated, “Law is a law for everybody,” underscoring the importance of humane treatment for all individuals, regardless of their status. He insisted that Khan should receive the same basic medical facilities afforded to any inmate, highlighting that, as a former Prime Minister, he deserves even greater consideration. “They have to see that the condition of the place where they put him and other medical facilities should be good enough,” he added.
The cricketing community, according to Kapil, is advocating for improved treatment for Khan, independent of the allegations he faces. “As a cricket fellow, we can ask Pakistan and request them to give him better treatment. Law will take its time, but you can provide better treatment,” he remarked. The captains have called for an independent medical evaluation by a board appointed by Pakistan's Supreme Court, which should include Khan’s personal doctors. This assessment is particularly crucial given reports of Khan experiencing vision loss in his right eye.
Restoration of Family Visits
In addition to medical care, the former captains have urged the Pakistani authorities to reinstate Khan’s court-ordered weekly family visits without unnecessary delays. They have requested that any medical recommendations made by the independent board be implemented swiftly. This appeal, initiated by former Australian captain Greg Chappell, marks the second intervention by international cricket figures regarding Khan’s treatment in the past six months. Notable Indian signatories include Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and Dilip Vengsarkar, alongside other prominent cricketing figures such as Clive Lloyd and Allan Border.
The group has emphasized that their appeal is non-political, rooted in their shared love for cricket and a collective concern for the humane treatment of individuals in custody.
