A group of 14 former international cricket captains – including India’s Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev – has appealed to Pakistan’s government to ensure jailed former Pakistan captain and ex-prime minister Imran Khan receives proper medical attention.
Their letter focuses on claims about Khan’s health, including his lawyer’s assertion that he has lost most of the vision in his right eye. Khan has been behind bars since 2023 and, late last year, he and his wife were sentenced to 17 years on corruption charges, which both deny.
International scrutiny has also followed the case. A United Nations panel of experts said last year that Khan’s detention “had no legal basis and appears to have been intended to disqualify him from running for political office”.
The push is being driven by former Australian captain Greg Chappell, who played in the same era as Khan. The list of signatories spans several cricket nations and includes Steve Waugh, Allan Border, Michael Atherton, Michael Brearley, Nasser Hussain, David Gower, Belinda Clark, Clive Lloyd and John Wright.
Pakistan’s Supreme Court has already sought information about Khan’s conditions inside Adiala jail near Rawalpindi, linked to a case that has been before the court since 2023. Authorities have previously acknowledged that Khan underwent a brief medical procedure in January at a government hospital in Islamabad, but provided no further explanation. After visiting Khan last week, his lawyer submitted a report to Pakistan’s chief justice and the Supreme Court outlining concerns and requesting treatment.
In their full statement, 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. 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. 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, earning respect from players, fans, and administrators alike.”
They also referenced his time in office, adding: “Beyond cricket, Imran Khan served as Prime Minister of Pakistan, leading his nation during a challenging period. Regardless of political perspectives, he holds the honour of having been democratically elected to the highest office in his country.”
The captains said their alarm has grown with the latest reports about his health and detention. “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 wrote.
They argued that, whatever the politics, a baseline of dignity should apply. “As fellow cricketers who understand the values of fair play, honour, and respect that transcend the boundary rope, we believe that a person of Imran Khan’s stature deserves to be treated with the dignity and basic human consideration befitting a former national leader and a global sporting icon.”
They then set out what they want Pakistan to provide: “We respectfully urge the Government of Pakistan to ensure that Imran Khan receives: Immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing to address his reported health issues. Humane and dignified conditions of detention in line with international standards, including regular visits by close family members. Fair and transparent access to legal processes without undue delay or hindrance.”
The letter closes by invoking cricket’s role in connecting countries and players across rivalries: “Cricket has long been a bridge between nations. Our shared history on the field reminds us that rivalry ends when the stumps are drawn – and respect endures. Imran Khan embodied that spirit throughout his career. We call on authorities to honour it now by upholding the principles of decency and justice. This appeal is made in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity, without prejudice to any legal proceedings.”
Khan led Pakistan’s government from 2018 until 2022, when he lost office in a no-confidence vote during a period of heightened political tension, including strained relations with Pakistan’s powerful military establishment. Since then, he has faced a series of legal cases. Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, say the actions against him are politically driven. His arrest in May 2023 prompted protests across the country, with some turning violent and leading to hundreds of arrests. The office of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said it had not yet received the captains’ statement.