Brian Lara added his voice to growing calls from the international cricket community for Imran Khan to receive proper medical care. The legendary batsman posted on Instagram that while he and Imran had crossed paths on the field only a few times, his respect for the former captain was immediate and lasting. Lara expressed confusion about how someone who had been a source of pride and inspiration for his country was not receiving compassionate and dignified care. He said he stood with other former captains in seeking proper and independent medical treatment for Imran, framing the issue as one of basic humanity rather than politics.
Lara’s statement follows a joint appeal by 22 former international cricketers, including 21 ex-captains, made last month to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The signatories included notable figures such as Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Greg Chappell, Steve Waugh and others. The group urged the government to comply with a Supreme Court order that Imran be transferred from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital for examination by a multidisciplinary medical board including specialists in various fields.
Imran, who led Pakistan to its only men’s World Cup title in 1992, has been imprisoned since August 2023 and has faced convictions in several cases. The Supreme Court issued its interim order last month directing authorities to transfer Imran to the hospital within two days and to allow his personal physician and sister, who is also a doctor, to be involved in his medical care. The court also ordered that weekly family visits be facilitated. The former cricketers specifically cited concerns about deterioration of vision in Imran’s right eye. Reports indicated that Imran was examined at a state hospital rather than receiving the comprehensive assessment at Shifa as directed by the court before being returned to jail.