Former Pakistan cricketers maintain silence on Imran Khan

 

Debasis Sen, Kolkata

Amid growing support for former Pakistan World Cup-winning captain, Imran Khan, several prominent Pakistani cricketers who played alongside or under him, have opted to remain silent in order to avoid being drawn into a political controversy.

Revsportz tried reaching out to a couple of former Pakistan captains, now settled in the UK, for their comments on the growing support for Imran. A former cricketer, who led the Pakistan senior team in the past, on conditions of anonymity said, “I would not like myself to be dragged into this controversy by saying anything on Imran.”

He added, “Anything that I say about Imran will not be taken well back home so it is better to stay away from making any comment,” said the veteran cricketer who is based in London.

Another former Pakistani great based in Birmingham also remained tight-lipped on the matter. Imran played a large part of his formative cricket under his captaincy. But considering the current situation, the veteran cricketer did not wish to make any comment. An all-rounder who played alongside Imran has also chosen to stay off the record in his support, fearing he could face repercussions from the current Pakistan government and the cricket board.

Recently, several former cricketers around the world have appealed to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure that Imran receives adequate medical treatment while being in prison. The latest appeal follows a similar letter signed by 14 former captains in February, which went unanswered by the Pakistani authorities.

While prominent international players view their letters to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strictly as a “humanitarian plea” for a former colleague, any statement made by an insider within Pakistan is instantly viewed through a highly polarised political lens.

Imran has been imprisoned since August 2023 following his conviction in corruption cases. Concerns over his health have intensified in recent weeks, prompting his sons to push for better medical treatment. Last week, Pakistan’s Supreme Court directed that he be admitted to Shifa Hospital in Islamabad.

However, he was instead taken to the government-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences for a medical check-up before being sent back to prison.

The Pakistan government has rejected the allegations that Imran has been mistreated in prison or denied contact with his family and lawyers. In a statement last week, it was said that he had received more than 900 visits from his family members, lawyers and doctors since his imprisonment in August 2023.

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The post Former Pakistan cricketers maintain silence on Imran Khan appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.



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