Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Concern over Imran Khan’s health and his treatment in prison has drawn support from Australia captain Pat Cummins, who has backed former Australian captain Greg Chappell’s call for the ex-Pakistan captain to receive proper medical care and family access.
Khan, 73, has been imprisoned since August 2023, while concerns over his physical condition have intensified in recent months. A group of former international captains, including Chappell, have called for an independent assessment of his health, particularly amid reports of deteriorating eyesight.
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Cummins added his voice to the appeal, stressing that the issue should be viewed from a humanitarian perspective.
“Adding my support here to GC and the other former international captains. I hope the court ordered medical assessment be allowed to run its course, and that family visits continue. I hope Imran Khan is treated with the dignity anyone deserves,” Cummins said.
CHAPPELL RAISE QUESTIONS OVER IMRAN KHAN’S ISOLATION
Chappell has expressed alarm at Khan’s reported condition and the impact of prolonged isolation on his physical and mental wellbeing.
Speaking on The Grade Cricketer podcast, Chappell said he found it difficult to understand how anyone could cope with spending such a prolonged period in isolation.
“He’s been in isolation for three years. I don’t know how anyone deals with that. Imran is as strong, physically and mentally, as anyone I played cricket against, but I don’t know how you deal with absolute isolation for three years,” Chappell said.
The former Australia captain also raised concerns about Khan’s reported living conditions, saying he believed the former Pakistan captain had limited access to books and spent much of his time in darkness.
“I don’t think he’s allowed books to read. He’s pretty much just got to sit there and behave himself, and he’s in the dark most of the time. That’s not good for your mental health, and as your mental health deteriorates, your physical health is going to deteriorate as well,” he added.
Chappell recalled meeting Khan in Pakistan six years ago and described him then as a “strong, robust older man”.
“I met up with him in Pakistan six years ago, and he was still a strong, robust older man. That’s not the case anymore. Apparently, he’s struggling with the sight in his right eye,” Chappell said.
PCB COMPLAINT OVER INTERVIEW SPARKS LORD’S CONTROVERSY
The issue spilled into the ongoing England-Pakistan Test at Lord’s after Sky Sports aired an interview with Khan’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, during the first day. The brothers spoke about their father’s health and alleged that his condition had deteriorated significantly during his time in prison.
The Pakistan Cricket Board lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports over the broadcast. Reports also claimed the PCB threatened to prevent Pakistan’s players from returning to the field after lunch if the interview was aired. Pakistan eventually resumed play, avoiding a boycott of the Test.
The PCB’s decision to complain also drew a sharp reaction from Australia batter Usman Khawaja. Reacting to the development, Khawaja said:
“This has got to be a joke.”
The controversy has added another layer to the growing debate surrounding Khan’s treatment. While the PCB objected to the political nature of the broadcast, former cricketers have continued to focus on the humanitarian aspect, with Chappell calling for concern over Khan’s wellbeing and Cummins backing the appeal for dignity, medical assessment and continued family access.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
