Brian Lara joins cricket legends calling for humane treatment of imprisoned Imran Khan

Former West Indies captain Brian Lara has become the latest prominent cricket figure to voice support for imprisoned former Pakistan captain Imran Khan, calling for proper medical care and humane treatment for the 1992 World Cup-winning skipper. Lara took to Instagram to express his concern over Khan’s situation, saying he was struggling to understand how a sporting icon who once inspired an entire country could now find himself in circumstances where, in Lara’s view, he was not receiving the compassion and dignity he deserved. "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," Lara wrote in his Instagram post. "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. "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.

Lara’s intervention comes amid growing concern among former and current international cricketers over Khan’s health and treatment in custody. A group of former international captains, led by former Australia skipper Greg Chappell, has repeatedly called for Khan to receive an independent medical assessment, continued family access and any treatment recommended by doctors. The latest appeal was signed by 21 former captains, including Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Allan Border, Michael Atherton, Steve Waugh, Adam Gilchrist and Nasser Hussain. The signatories described themselves as former colleagues and rivals whose bond was forged on the cricket field and urged authorities to ensure that a court-directed medical process was properly completed. Their concerns have centred particularly on reports of significant vision problems affecting Khan’s right eye. The 73-year-old has been in custody since 2023 after being convicted in corruption cases that he has denied, while his supporters have described the cases as politically motivated.

Earlier, Australia captain Pat Cummins has also publicly backed the campaign, becoming one of the most prominent active international cricketers to speak out on Khan’s treatment.

Join conversation

Share your thoughts in the comments

Be respectful · TOI community guidelines

“Adding my support here to GC (Greg Chappell) 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 posted on X. The campaign has called for three key measures: a comprehensive health evaluation by a Supreme Court-directed medical board that includes Khan’s personal physicians, uninterrupted weekly family visits, and immediate implementation of any recommended medical treatment. Former Pakistan cricketers, including Moin Khan, have also raised their voices over the issue, with Moin recently urging other cricketers to speak up for the former captain’s wellbeing.