A Show of Solidarity with Imran Khan
By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam
18 February 2026
Fourteen international captains, including Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, have made a fervent appeal to the Government of Pakistan Government for a better treatment of Imran Khan, physically, mentally, environmentally and even socially.
The joint statement, released to select media outlets including Cricbuzz, makes a formal representation for the wellbeing of the former World Cup-winning captain, who has been confined to prison with no information available about his health or safety. Among the 14 signatories is also Greg Chappell, the former Australia captain and ex-India head coach.
In their one-page request, they have said, "We respectfully urge the Government of Pakistan to ensure that Imran Khan receives:
Immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing to address his reported health issues.
Humane and dignified conditions of detention in line with international standards, including regular visits by close family members.
Fair and transparent access to legal processes without undue delay or hindrance."
This is really heart-warming and proves Imran's world-wide standing as one of the greatest all-rounders the game has seen since 1877 when the first ever Test was played between England and Australia. That he botched up his life by joining the murky and diabolical politics of Pakistan is inconsequential. He deserves much better and humane treatment at the hands of a vindictive Army, a rogue and self-proclaimed Field Marshal (like General Ayub Khan) and the marionette politicians. The mercenary Army of Pakistan is baying for Imran's blood. Imran Khan Niyazi is a phenomenon in world cricket and he's respected by all. Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev have been his close friends on and off the field for many decades. Imran has also acknowledged these two as his great friends and wholeheartedly admired their cricketing skills. Imran had the rare quality of appreciating and acknowledging the exploits of his opponents. He never used cuss words for the players of other teams. Nor did he ever indulge in sledging.
Despite being a very fast bowler, he'd occasionally clap when a batsman would hit him for a boundary or an over-boundary; an extremely rare quality that you don't come across among the genuine pacers of any era. Imran Khan's services and contributions to Pakistan cricket can never be forgotten or belittled. Pakistan won the World Cup under his astute stewardship in 1992. Imran's majestic presence on the field was a sight to behold. As a cricketer, the Pakistani legend was a mixture of aggression, passion and action who brought competitiveness to his team and enriched the game. During his playing days, the debonair, dapper and dashing Khan had an aura of invincibility.
His deteriorating health is a matter of grave concern for all. Let's hope that this gesture of solidarity shown by world's top-notch former cricketers will prove to be a catalyst for the immediate release of Imran from the slammer or it'll at least pave the way for his proper treatment by the doctor/s of his choice and in the comforting presence of his family members. There mustn't be any foul play. Current players should also emulate these cricketing greats on this count. Alas, they're busy playing substandard cricket and amassing filthy lucre out of it. Remember, cricket is called a gentleman's game and all cricketers are its individual ambassadors and flag bearers.
This gesture of solidarity with the imprisoned legend is indicative of the fact that sports will always triumph over the politics of hatred and bitterness. Cricket has always been an adhesive and a sort of a glue that has helped warring nations gel together. Sports, in general, bring people together and create an atmosphere and air of positivism. The embattled human civilization at this juncture needs peace and empathy and that can be brought about only through sports and sportsmanship, shown by Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and all other legendary cricketers of yore. We must acknowledge this exalted spirit and try to imbibe it. That Pakistan is a perpetual enemy for the people of India and vice versa will serve no purpose. Rise above this silly jingoism. This belligerent mentality will alienate all of us and create rifts and cracks.
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URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/show-solidarity-with-imran-khan-/d/138901
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