A group of 14 former international cricket captains has jointly appealed to the Pakistani government to ensure adequate medical care and humane treatment for former Prime Minister and World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan.
The appeal, initiated by former Australian skipper Greg Chappell and formally addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressed deep concern over Khan’s reported health issues during his detention. The letter highlighted claims of worsening eyesight and prolonged inadequate medical attention over the past two and a half years.
Signatories include cricketing legends from around the world: Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev (India), Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, and Kim Hughes (Australia), Mike Atherton, Nasser Hussain, and Mike Brearley (England), David Gower (England), Clive Lloyd (West Indies), and John Wright (New Zealand).
The former captains urged Pakistani authorities to provide immediate and ongoing treatment by qualified medical specialists, ensure detention conditions align with international humanitarian standards, allow regular family visits, and guarantee fair and timely legal proceedings. They emphasized that the values of sportsmanship, fair play, dignity, and respect extend beyond the cricket field and should guide the treatment of a globally recognized leader and former sports icon.
The appeal follows reports from Adiala Prison, where Khan has been held since his conviction in corruption-related cases, citing limited medical access and restricted family contact. Several captains also publicly endorsed the appeal, noting Khan’s role in uniting people through cricket and representing the sport’s ideals of respect and collaboration.
The group emphasized that cricket has historically bridged nations, and as a player, Imran Khan exemplified these values, which, they argued, should now guide his treatment while in detention.
