But when Ravi Shastri took to Republic World, he didn't mince words—"I’m not a politician, but seeing how he’s being treated today is shocking," he said, shaking his head at the stark footage of Khan in a dim cell.
Khan, jailed since 2023, is reportedly suffering from severe health decline, with only 15% of his right‑eye vision remaining. Shastri’s comment hit home for a generation that watched Khan lift Pakistan to a World Cup triumph at the age of 40, leading a youthful squad that still echoes in stadium chants.
"What he gave to the game was something special," Shastri added, recalling Khan’s knack for motivating young players. He lauded the former captain’s all‑round brilliance, noting how his leadership forged a rivalry built on respect rather than hostility.
Yet Shastri’s main plea is humanitarian: he wants the cricket fraternity—players, boards, fans—to echo his concerns. "I think there’ll be a lot of cricketers around the globe who will be echoing the same sentiments," he said, urging collective pressure for better treatment.
The next step is unclear, but the ICC’s upcoming board meeting may provide a platform for the cricket community to voice its stance on the matter, potentially reshaping how sports diplomacy addresses human rights within the game.