Respect heroes

Fourteen former cricketing captains have sought improved medical facilities for the imprisoned Imran Khan, former captain of the Pakistani cricket team and former Prime Minister of the country.

I am reminded of a conference in Islamabad which I attended in 2014. Many government officials were present in the audience. A tall man strode into the hall attired in a white salwar-kameez, a pair of local Peshawari shoes and a black coat. The packed hall of delegates erupted into booming cheers and a standing ovation. Boys and girls jumped up with enthusiasm, thumping their tables and filling the air with whistles.

I must confess, I was surprised to see young Pakistani girls whistle joyously. The welcome befitted a rock star. Imran Khan spoke clearly and vehemently for a democratic and secular country. The entire hall exploded into applause at frequent intervals.

Seeing the dazed expression on my face, a Pakistani delegate told me, “For us, he is your most popular Bollywood film star Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and top cricketer Virat Kohli, rolled into one.”

Now, it is lamentable that this beacon of hope for the young in Pakistan is in prison, lacking medical assistance. Pakistan must learn to respect its heroes. Mr. Imran Khan’s treatment, is just not cricket.

Rajendra Aneja
Mumbai, India