Former India head coach
Reports have recently emerged suggesting that Khan’s health has deteriorated during his time in custody, with claims indicating that he now retains only 15 percent vision in his right eye. Addressing these reports, Shastri emphasised that his comments were made on humanitarian grounds rather than political ones, noting that the treatment Khan is receiving is unacceptable for any individual.
Reflecting on a cricketing legacy
During an interview with Republic World, Shastri took the opportunity to reflect on Khan’s significant contributions to the sport. He praised the former Pakistan captain’s ability to lead and motivate younger players, highlighting his leadership during the 1992 World Cup campaign. Shastri described Khan as an outstanding leader of men who managed to guide a relatively young squad to global success at the age of 40.
Shastri further remarked that Khan remains one of the most recognisable figures to emerge from Pakistan on the global stage. He expressed a hope that the former all-rounder would be treated with more dignity, stating that regardless of political complexities, the current situation is undeserved for a man of his stature. He recalled their past encounters as being defined by mutual respect, noting that the historic rivalry between India and Pakistan was always underpinned by an appreciation for each other's cricketing talents.
A call for better conditions
Having been in jail since 2023, Khan’s situation continues to draw attention from various figures within the sporting world. Shastri reiterated that his perspective is shared by many who have followed Khan’s career, describing the label of a great cricketer as an understatement for what the former captain achieved on the field. He concluded by wishing Khan well and expressing his desire to see him treated better during his ongoing detention.
