‘This isn’t politics, it’s basic humanity’ – Brian Lara calls for proper medical care for Imran Khan

Brian Lara has added his voice to a growing chorus of former international cricket captains demanding proper and independent medical care for Imran Khan, the 1992 World Cup-winning Pakistan captain who has been in detention since August 2023.

Lara’s intervention reflects deep concern among cricket’s leadership figures about Khan’s health and treatment during his incarceration.

“Imran Khan and I only crossed paths on the field a handful of times, but the respect I have for him was instant and lasting. I am struggling to understand how someone who was once a beacon of hope, pride and inspiration for his country, at the height of his sporting career, could now find himself in a situation where he is not being cared for and treated with the compassion and dignity he deserves,” wrote Lara on Instagram.

“I stand with my fellow former captains in asking that he receive proper, independent medical care and the dignity every human being deserves. This isn’t politics. It’s basic humanity for a legend of our game,” he added.

A three-member Supreme Court bench issued an order on August 18 directing authorities at Adiala jail to arrange Khan’s transfer to Shifa Hospital for medical assessment and treatment within a two-day window. Following this directive, Khan underwent medical examination at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, where doctors from Shifa International Hospital participated in the assessment. His sister and his personal medical team were present during the examination, according to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.

The petition demanding dignified treatment and proper court-directed medical care has been signed by 21 former international captains, a list that includes Sir Alastair Cook, Michael Atherton, Steve Waugh, Adam Gilchrist and Nasser Hussain. This collective action by cricket’s former leaders demonstrates the widespread concern within the global cricket community about Khan’s situation and the importance placed on ensuring his wellbeing during his detention.

Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, 73, has been incarcerated since August 2023 after being convicted in several cases, which he has described as politically motivated following his ouster as Pakistan’s prime minister in a 2022 parliamentary vote.