West Indies batting legend Brian Lara has joined an international appeal for proper medical treatment for former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan.
Lara shared his statement on his official Instagram account on Saturday. He said the issue was about basic humanity rather than political differences.
The former West Indies captain said he had only crossed paths with Imran a few times on the cricket field. However, Lara said his respect for the 1992 World Cup-winning captain was immediate and lasting.
Lara expressed concern over Imran’s reported situation in prison. He questioned how a former sporting icon could reach a point where he was allegedly not receiving the care and dignity he deserves.
The cricket legend said he stood alongside other former international captains. He called for Imran to receive proper and independent medical care.
Lara also stressed that his appeal was not politically motivated. He described the matter as a humanitarian concern involving a respected figure in international cricket.
His statement comes after a group of 22 international cricketers contacted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last month. The group included 21 former captains and called for medical treatment for Imran.
The cricketers reportedly asked authorities to provide treatment in line with recent directions from Pakistan’s Supreme Court. Several prominent former players were among the signatories.
The list included Michael Atherton, Alex Blackwell, Allan Border, Michael Brearley and Greg Chappell. Their appeal added international cricket figures to growing concerns about Imran’s health.
Imran has remained in prison since August 2023. He has been convicted in several cases following his removal as prime minister through a parliamentary vote in 2022.
Imran and his political supporters have maintained that several of the cases against him are politically motivated. The legal proceedings have remained a major issue in Pakistan’s political landscape.
Concerns about his health have increased in recent months. Imran has reportedly required medical attention for right central retinal vein occlusion, commonly known as CRVO.
The eye condition became publicly known in late January. It has since led to repeated concerns about whether he is receiving appropriate specialist treatment.
On August 18, the Supreme Court directed the government to move Imran to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad. The court reportedly ordered the transfer within two days for examination and treatment.
The court also directed that he be examined by a multidisciplinary medical board. However, Imran was instead taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences.
Reports said he could not undergo a recommended computed tomography angiography at PIMS. The reported reason was that the required facilities were not available there.
The latest appeal from Lara adds to calls for greater attention to Imran’s medical needs. His comments also reflect the continued interest of international cricket figures in the former Pakistan captain’s wellbeing.
Imran remains one of Pakistan’s most prominent cricket personalities. He led Pakistan to its first and only men’s Cricket World Cup title in 1992.
Lara’s intervention has therefore attracted attention among cricket fans and observers. His statement focuses on medical care and dignity while keeping the issue separate from political debates.
The international appeal is expected to keep attention on Imran’s health and treatment. Any further developments will depend on decisions by the relevant authorities and courts.
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