Kolkata, Feb 17 (NationPress) Concerned about Imran Khan's alleged health issues, former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly expressed his wish that the ex-captain of the Pakistan national cricket team and former Prime Minister receives the appropriate medical attention and respect he rightfully deserves.

Reports regarding Imran Khan's health have been troubling, with some indicating a loss of part of his vision. Additionally, his treatment has been executed under dire conditions, consistently denying him family visits.

"I sincerely hope for his recovery and that he receives the right treatment, as he has put Pakistan on the global map, both as captain of the Pakistan cricket team and as Prime Minister. He deserves proper care and respect," Ganguly shared with reporters.

Previously, renowned former Indian cricketers such as Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, along with fourteen other international cricket captains, collectively appealed to the Government of Pakistan for improved treatment and welfare for Imran Khan, according to reports.

The captains released a one-page statement urging medical, legal, and humanitarian protections for the 1992 World Cup winning captain, currently incarcerated since 2023. Their appeal expressed disappointment over the lack of progress from the Pakistani government in addressing the concerns raised by some of the cricketing world's most esteemed players, creating significant pressure for a government response.

As reported by Cricbuzz, the former captains called on authorities to guarantee that Imran Khan receives "immediate, adequate, and ongoing medical care from qualified specialists of his choosing to tackle his reported health issues." They also demanded "humane and dignified detention conditions compliant with international standards, including regular visits from close family members," along with "fair and transparent access to legal processes without undue delay or hindrance."

Expressing concern over the latest developments, their statement noted, "Recent reports about his health—especially the alarming decline in his vision while in custody—and the conditions of his incarceration over the past two and a half years have deeply unsettled us."

Stressing the values that unite the cricketing community, the signatories remarked, "As fellow cricketers who appreciate the values of fair play, honor, and respect that go beyond the boundary line, we believe that a figure of Imran Khan's caliber deserves to be treated with the dignity and basic human rights befitting a former national leader and global sports icon."

The appeal highlighted Imran Khan's lasting legacy in cricket: "His contributions to the sport are widely respected. As captain, he guided Pakistan to their historic victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup—a win built on skill, resilience, leadership, and sportsmanship that inspired generations across borders," the statement continued. "Many of us faced him in competition, shared the field, or idolized his remarkable all-round capabilities, charisma, and competitive spirit. He remains among the greatest all-rounders and captains the sport has ever known, garnering respect from players, fans, and administrators alike."

Beyond cricket, the captains acknowledged his political journey: "Outside of cricket, Imran Khan served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan, guiding the nation through challenging times. Regardless of political views, he is honored for being democratically elected to the highest office in his country," the statement concluded.

In their closing remarks, the former captains emphasized the importance of decency and justice: "Cricket has historically been a bridge between nations. Our shared experiences on the field remind us that rivalry concludes when the stumps are drawn, and respect prevails. Imran Khan embodied that spirit throughout his career.

"We urge authorities to honor it now by upholding the principles of decency and justice. This appeal is made in the spirit of sportsmanship and shared humanity, devoid of bias towards any legal proceedings."

In addition to Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, other notable names include Greg Chappell, Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Steve Waugh, and John Wright.