Greg Chappell: Gavaskar and Kapil Dev ‘Reacted Instantly’ to Support Imran Khan
Former Australia captain Greg Chappell has revealed that Indian cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev were among the quickest to sign a petition advocating for the medical treatment of former Pakistan Prime Minister and cricket captain Imran Khan. Despite the complex geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, Chappell noted that the two Indian icons did not hesitate to join the humanitarian appeal.
Imran Khan, who led Pakistan to World Cup glory in 1992, is currently incarcerated at Adiala Jail. Reports regarding his deteriorating health, specifically potential vision loss due to alleged medical negligence, prompted Chappell to organize an open letter signed by notable international cricket captains.
Defying Geopolitical Pressure
In a recent discussion with journalists Gideon Haigh and Peter Lalor, Chappell highlighted the significance of the Indian support. Given the strained diplomatic relations between the two nations, public support from high-profile Indian figures carries weight and potential risk.
“Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev probably had more pressure than the rest of us, but they both reacted instantly,” Chappell stated. “You’ve probably seen Sunny’s comments… They’ve been friends for a long time.”
Chappell admitted that while he had maintained contact with Khan previously, communication ceased following the former Prime Minister’s imprisonment. The initiative to gather signatures from fellow captains arose from a conversation with a mutual friend, aiming to leverage the collective influence of the cricketing fraternity.
Gavaskar’s Long-Standing Bond
Sunil Gavaskar recently addressed his participation in the petition, citing a friendship dating back to their teenage years in the English county circuit. Speaking to The Indian Express, Gavaskar emphasized that the appeal was strictly humanitarian.
“I have known Imran since he was 17 years old, when India was playing at Worcester… after the Test series win at The Oval,” Gavaskar said. “Whatever the political differences there, we believe that he should be looked after in a humane manner and given proper medical care.”
List of Signatories
The petition features a coalition of some of the most respected names in cricket history. The signatories include World Cup winners and former captains from Australia, England, India, New Zealand, and the West Indies.
| Country | Signatories |
|---|---|
| India | Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev |
| Australia | Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Kim Hughes, Belinda Clark |
| England | Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Mike Brearley, David Gower |
| West Indies | Clive Lloyd |
| New Zealand | John Wright |
Context of Incarceration
Imran Khan served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 until his ouster in April 2022. He faces multiple legal charges and has been imprisoned since August 2023. His legal team and party officials have raised repeated concerns regarding the conditions of his confinement and his access to specialized medical care.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Famer remains one of the sport’s most influential figures, having played 88 Tests and 175 ODIs for Pakistan. Visit ESPNcricinfo for comprehensive statistics on his career.
Key Facts: The Petition Initiative
- Initiator: Greg Chappell (Australia)
- Primary Concern: Medical negligence and failing eyesight of Imran Khan.
- Indian Support: Immediate endorsement from Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar.
- Total Impact: Over 15 prominent international captains have signed the appeal.