A group of 14 former international cricket captains has jointly appealed to the government of Pakistan to ensure proper medical care and humane treatment for former prime minister and World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan.
The petition, initiated by former Australia skipper Greg Chappell, was formally addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing concern over Imran Khan’s reported health condition during his incarceration.
Ex-International Captains Speaking Out for Imran Khan
The letter was signed by several prominent names from across the cricketing world, including:
Sunil Gavaskar
India
Kapil Dev
India
Allan Border
Australia
Steve Waugh
Australia
Ian Chappell
Australia
Belinda Clark
Australia
Kim Hughes
Australia
Mike Atherton
England
Nasser Hussain
England
Mike Brearley
England
David Gower
England
Clive Lloyd
West Indies
John Wright
New Zealand
In their communication, the former captains voiced “profound concern” over reports regarding Imran Khan’s health, particularly claims of deteriorating eyesight and the conditions of his detention over the past two and a half years.
The signatories urged Pakistani authorities to provide immediate and ongoing medical attention by qualified specialists, along with detention conditions consistent with international humanitarian standards. They also called for regular family access and fair, timely legal proceedings.
The cricketers emphasized that the values of sportsmanship, fair play, dignity, and respect, should extend beyond the cricket field, especially in the treatment of a former national leader and globally recognized sporting figure.
The appeal follows recent accounts about Imran Khan’s condition at Adiala Prison, where he has been held since his conviction in corruption-related cases. Supporters have raised alarms about his health, alleging significant vision loss and limited access to personal medical care and family visits.
Some of the former captains also issued public remarks backing the humanitarian appeal, describing Khan as a figure who represented cricket’s unifying spirit during his playing career.
In their message, the group noted that cricket has historically served as a bridge between nations, arguing that respect among players has always endured beyond on-field rivalries. They said Imran Khan embodied those ideals throughout his career and should now be treated in accordance with those same principles.
