Michael Holding, former cricket player and sports star, expressed concern about the situation of Imran Khan, the former captain of the Pakistan national cricket team, and criticized the way he is being treated. Holding, who has played alongside Imran Khan, stated that this situation is very distressing and has become one of the defining legacies of Khan.
Concern Over Imran Khan's Medical Condition
In an interview with a sports media outlet, Holding recalled his past collaborations with Imran Khan, particularly remembering accompanying him during fundraising for Khan's cancer hospital in London. The 72-year-old player noted: "I know this man and I know what kind of person he is. Seeing his current condition is very distressing."
Holding's remarks came after a group of former captains called for appropriate medical care and access for Imran Khan's family to him. Holding supported this request and emphasized that the issue should not be viewed solely from a political perspective.
Questioning Discrimination in Treatment of Imran Khan
Holding expressed full support for the captains who wrote a letter to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, saying: "Why should Imran be treated differently from other prisoners? I support these efforts to ensure he is treated like any other human being. You cannot treat people this way. Even those who have committed murder are not treated like this. So what is the reason for this treatment of Imran?"
He also hinted at the possibility of jealousy in this matter, referring to Imran Khan's global fame. Holding stated: "In today's world, no Pakistani is more recognized than Imran Khan. This treatment of him is unacceptable."
The tensions regarding Imran Khan's prison conditions have also spilled over into the cricket world. Michael Atherton, a sports journalist, conducted an interview with Imran Khan's sons, Suleiman and Qasim, on the sidelines of a cricket match between England and Pakistan, where they mentioned the lack of access to proper medical facilities for their father. Following this interview, the Pakistan Cricket Board threatened to withdraw from the match, but the airing of this 18-minute interview continued by a news network.
Holding's intervention now adds another prominent voice to the calls for humane treatment of Imran Khan. He continues to support Khan's family and the need to ensure his human rights, emphasizing that this issue should not be viewed solely from a political angle.
