Ravi Shastri Concerned Over Imran Khan’s Imprisonment, Calls it ‘Inhumane Treatment’

Former India cricketer and coach Ravi Shastri has expressed concern over the treatment of imprisoned former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan. In an interview with Republic World, Mr. Shastri said he was shocked by Mr. Imran’s current situation and that such treatment was not justified from a humanitarian perspective.

Mr. Shastri said, “I am not a politician. But I am shocked to see the way he is being treated at present. No human being should be treated this way. From a humanitarian point of view, I don’t think he deserves what he is getting.” He expressed hope that Mr. Imran is in good health and that his physical condition will improve.

Mr. Imran has been in prison since 2023. His family members and supporters have raised concerns about his physical condition, access to medical care and communication with his family. Various reports have also claimed that he has suffered severe loss of vision in his right eye, although there are limitations in independently verifying those claims.

Mr. Shastri mainly remembered Mr. Imran as a cricketer and captain. He described him as an “exceptional cricketer” and a “leader of leaders” who had a remarkable ability to inspire young players and lead his team forward. He also recalled Mr. Imran’s leadership of Pakistan to victory in the 1992 World Cup.

Regarding Mr. Imran’s release, Mr. Shastri said he hoped the former Pakistan captain would leave prison and receive better treatment. He also made clear that he did not have extensive knowledge of politics and that his comments were focused mainly on Mr. Imran’s humanitarian situation and his contribution to cricket.

Earlier, reports said 21 former international captains had written to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urging better medical treatment for Mr. Imran. Seven former Australian cricketers have also reportedly asked their government to intervene in the matter.