Former Cricket Captains Urge Pakistan Government to Ensure Medical Care for Imran Khan
A group of former international cricket captains has appealed to the Pakistan government over the treatment of Imran Khan. They have asked that he be given proper medical care and treated with dignity in custody. The joint statement was issued on 17th February. The former captains said they were deeply concerned about reports of a sharp deterioration in Khan’s eyesight. They also raised concerns about the conditions of his detention over the past two and a half years. The signatories include Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Stephen Waugh and John Wright. In the statement, they described Khan as a legendary cricketer and former Pakistan captain. They recalled his leadership in Pakistan’s 1992 Cricket World Cup triumph. They said he inspired generations with his all-round brilliance and competitive spirit. They also referred to his tenure as Pakistan’s democratically elected Prime Minister. They stressed that political differences must not affect humane treatment. They called for immediate and ongoing medical care from qualified specialists. They also demanded humane prison conditions, regular family visits and fair access to legal proceedings without delay. The appeal came days after Khan was examined on 15th February by a team of doctors following complaints of severe vision loss in his right eye. The Supreme Court had ordered a detailed medical check-up before 16th February. Instead of being shifted to a hospital, doctors visited him at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. A lawyer from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, who met Khan on court directions to assess his living conditions, said Khan claimed he had lost around 85 percent vision in his right eye. Last month, he was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad for an eye procedure. His party said the examination was unacceptable without the presence of family members, personal doctors and party representatives. Khan served as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022. He has been imprisoned since August 2023. He faces multiple cases, which he has described as politically motivated. Earlier, former teammate Wasim Akram also urged authorities to ensure that Khan receives the best possible medical care. He said it was heartbreaking to hear about his health concerns.
Big Bash Might Open the Season in Chennai
Cricket Australia is exploring a bold idea. It is considering staging the opening match of the next Big Bash League season in India. If it happens, it will be a historic first for the tournament. According to SEN Cricket, two senior Cricket Australia officials Phil Rigby and Margot Harley recently travelled to Chennai. They held discussions about the possibility of hosting the BBL opener in the Tamil Nadu capital. They also studied the logistical challenges of conducting a match outside Australia. The move comes at a time when two of the eight BBL franchises are close to being sold. Cricket Australia is keen to tap into the Indian market. At present, the Indian Premier League is the only major global T20 league played annually in India. One report suggests that Perth Scorchers could feature in the proposed Chennai opener. The time zone difference works in their favour. The West Australian Cricket Association is also said to be open to proposals from leading Indian businessmen. However, the plan is still at an early stage. Several approvals are required. Cricket Australia must receive clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India, broadcasters and other key stakeholders. Without those approvals, the deal cannot move forward. There is a belief within Cricket Australia that playing one BBL game annually in Chennai could expand the league’s global footprint. Officials see it as a strategic push into a massive cricket market. The Big Bash League is usually played in the December January window. The 2025/26 season began on December 14 last year. Whether the BCCI agrees to the proposal remains to be seen.
Shami’s Fiery 8-Wicket Haul Puts BCCI on Notice
Mohammed Shami sent a strong message to the selectors, at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani. He picked up 8 wickets for 90 runs against Jammu and Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy semi-final. It was a spell full of pace, control and late swing. The old rhythm was back. The intensity was clear. Playing for Bengal, Shami struck early. Jammu and Kashmir were reduced to 13/3 on Day 2. He used the morning moisture well. The ball moved both ways. The seam position was perfect. He attacked the top order and broke their backbone. There was some resistance. Abdul Samad scored 82. Captain Paras Dogra made 58. They tried to rebuild. But every time Jammu and Kashmir looked settled, Shami returned. He broke partnerships. He cleaned up the tail on Day 3. He finished with match-defining figures of 8/90. Earlier, Bengal had posted 328 in the first innings. Sudip Kumar Gharami led the charge with a superb 146. That total gave Bengal control. Shami made sure the advantage counted. This performance came at an important time. Shami has been out of the national side since the 2023 ODI World Cup due to injury and fitness concerns. He has been working his way back through domestic cricket. Earlier this season, he took five-wicket hauls against Gujarat and Services. But this eight-wicket burst was louder than anything before. The message to the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is simple. Shami is fit. Shami is ready. India have important Test assignments coming up in 2026, including a possible tour of England. The team management now has a positive selection headache. Shami showed he can bowl long spells. He maintained pace. He extracted bounce. He looked prepared for the demands of five-day cricket again. As Bengal pushed for a place in the Ranji Trophy final, the spotlight has shifted. It is no longer just about the semi-final. It is about Shami’s return. If the selectors wanted proof that he can lead India’s attack once more, this was it.
