Atherton comments on the appeal for former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, stating the state attempted to erase his presence.

In a significant humanitarian appeal, former England cricket captain Michael Atherton has joined a coalition of 21 ex-international cricketers urging Pakistani authorities to provide adequate medical care for Imran Khan, the former captain of the Pakistan cricket team and the country’s ex-Prime Minister. Khan has been incarcerated since 2023 following a corruption conviction, which he has consistently denied. Recent reports have raised alarms about his health, including claims that he has lost vision in one eye.

The group of cricketers, which includes notable figures from various cricketing nations, has expressed growing concern over Khan's well-being. Following a recent court order that led to Khan being transferred to a hospital, the players wrote to the authorities again, citing that he was not given a thorough medical examination during his visit.

During a discussion on a Sky Sports cricket podcast, Atherton, alongside former England captain Nasser Hussain, articulated that their appeal extends beyond medical treatment. He highlighted a troubling trend of the state attempting to diminish Khan's presence in public life, a situation that is increasingly challenging to manage in the age of social media. “Nass and I were among 21 former captains who sent a second letter yesterday, a humanitarian appeal for Imran Khan to get the requisite level of treatment,” Atherton stated. “The basic theme was the way the state has tried to airbrush Imran almost out of existence.”

The letter's signatories included prominent former cricketers such as Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, and Dilip Vengsarkar from India, which is particularly noteworthy given the historical political tensions between India and Pakistan. Kapil Dev explained his motivation for supporting Khan, emphasizing the personal bond they share as former rivals and friends. He acknowledged the precarious position of Pakistani cricketers who may hesitate to voice their opinions publicly due to the potential repercussions they could face in their home country.

Kapil stressed that the appeal is not an attempt to interfere with Pakistan's legal system but rather a plea for basic human rights and dignity for a prisoner. “We don't know the law of the country, that's fine. But humility and simple facilities should be given to a prisoner, whoever he may be,” he remarked. He further noted Khan's status as a former prime minister and a celebrated cricketer, underscoring the need for him to receive appropriate medical treatment.

Imran Khan, who led Pakistan to its first and only men’s ODI World Cup victory in 1992, has remained a significant figure in both sports and politics. His ongoing imprisonment has attracted international scrutiny, and the growing concerns regarding his health have added complexity to the discussions surrounding his detention.