Kolkata, February 17 Former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday backed the appeal by several former international captains seeking fair treatment and proper medical care for Imran Khan, saying the cricketer-turned-politician deserves to be "looked after" for his contributions to Pakistan as both captain and Prime Minister.
Indian greats Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev were among 14 former captains who have written a letter expressing "deep concern" about Khan's deteriorating health and urging the Pakistan government to ensure adequate medical attention and dignified conditions in line with international standards.
"They have done the right thing (in appealing for fair treatment of Imran)," Ganguly told reporters.
"I hope his health improves, and I hope he receives the right treatment because he has taken Pakistan to the world map as captain of the Pakistan cricket team and then as Prime Minister of Pakistan, so he should be looked after, and I expect him to," he added.
There have been reports that Khan has lost approximately 85 per cent of vision in his right eye due to alleged medical neglect while in custody at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail.
The signatories include Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Steve Waugh and John Wright.
"We, the undersigned former captains of our national cricket teams, write with deep concern regarding the reported treatment and incarceration conditions of Imran Khan, the distinguished former Captain of Pakistan and a legendary figure in world cricket," the letter stated.
The 1992 World Cup-winning skipper, who served as Pakistan's Prime Minister, was sentenced to 14 years in prison in a corruption case in 2023.
In their appeal, the former captains sought immediate and ongoing medical attention from specialists of Khan's choosing, humane and dignified detention conditions including family visits, and fair and transparent access to legal processes.
