Kapil Dev calls for humane treatment of former Pakistan captain Imran Khan

Kapil Dev (Pic: PTI)

Legendary Indian cricket icon Kapil Dev on Monday appealed for proper treatment of jailed former Pakistan World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan.

His comments came a day after 22 former international captains, including Sunil Gavaskar, Greg Chappell, Allan Border, Clive Lloyd, and Steve Waugh, sent a second joint letter in six months to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif requesting proper medical care for Khan following directives from the country's Supreme Court.

Addressing the media on the sidelines of the DP World India Championship launch, Kapil emphasised basic human rights over regional politics.

"We don't know the law of the country, that's fine. But there should be humility and basic facilities for a prisoner, whoever may be. And he was a former Prime Minister of the country and a top cricketer of the world," Kapil Dev said.

"We want he should get the best treatment. What we are asking for, we are not asking for anything else; we are not asking for any replies. We are requesting," he added.

Regarding the noticeable silence from most Pakistani ex-cricketers, aside from Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, Kapil expressed empathy for their position.

"I don't blame them because they are Pakistani cricketers and are staying there but we are looking from outside. I would like to support my friend with whom we played and admired his cricketing skills," Kapil said.

Views on the Jaiswal and Fernando on-field clash

Kapil also weighed in on the heated confrontation between young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lankan bowler Asitha Fernando during the opening day of the second Test in Colombo. The clash resulted in physical contact, leading the ICC to penalise both players 25 per cent of their match fees alongside a demerit point.

"Those things happen, you have to move on. Look at the positive side. That's his (Jaiswal's) way, that's his way. It's fine, every player has his own character. If that's the way he wants to play, good luck to him. But the cricket board has to see where they have to draw a line and the player shouldn't cross that line." he concluded.

(With inputs from PTI)