Fourteen legendary cricket captains, including India greats Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, have appealed to the Pakistan government to ensure proper medical care and dignified treatment for former Pakistan Prime Minister and 1992 World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan, who has been in jail for more than two years.
The joint appeal, also signed by former Australia captain Greg Chappell and several other international cricket leaders, expressed “deep concern” over reports about Imran Khan’s health and prison conditions. Khan has reportedly been incarcerated for over 800 days, and recent claims suggest that his eyesight has seriously deteriorated while in custody.
In the letter, the former captains wrote, “We, the undersigned former captains of our national cricket teams, write with deep concern regarding the reported treatment and incarceration conditions of Imran Khan, the distinguished former captain of Pakistan and a legendary figure in world cricket.”
They reminded the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Imran Khan’s contribution to cricket, especially leading Pakistan to their historic victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup. The letter stated, “Imran Khan’s contributions to the game are universally admired. As captain, he led Pakistan to their historic 1992 Cricket World Cup victory, a triumph built on skill, resilience, leadership and sportsmanship that inspired generations across borders.”
The signatories added, “Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or grew up idolising his all round brilliance, charisma and competitive spirit. He remains one of the finest all rounders and captains the sport has ever seen.”
The captains also highlighted his political role, saying, “Beyond cricket, Imran Khan served as Prime Minister of Pakistan. Regardless of political perspectives, he holds the honour of having been democratically elected to the highest office in his country.”
Expressing concern over reports that his vision has worsened in jail, they wrote, “Recent reports concerning his health, particularly the alarming deterioration of his vision while in custody, and the conditions of his imprisonment over the past two and a half years have caused us profound concern.”
They urged authorities to ensure “immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing,” along with “humane and dignified conditions of detention” and “fair and transparent access to legal processes without undue delay.”
The letter concluded by saying, “Cricket has long been a bridge between nations. Rivalry ends when the stumps are drawn, and respect endures. Imran Khan embodied that spirit throughout his career. We call on authorities to uphold the principles of decency and justice.”
Among the other signatories were former captains Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Steve Waugh and John Wright.
