14 Former Cricket Captains Including Gavaskar, Kapil, Urge Pakistan Govt to Ensure Proper Treatment for Imran Khan
Fourteen former international cricket captains from five countries, including India’s Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev and Australia’s Greg Chappell, have jointly 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.
The appeal, signed by prominent cricketing figures such as Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Steve Waugh and former India coach John Wright, expressed deep concern over reports regarding Khan’s health and prison conditions.
Imran Khan has been incarcerated for over two years. Recent claims by a court-appointed lawyer have suggested that his vision in one eye has significantly deteriorated, allegedly after complaints went unaddressed for months. His sister, Aleema Khanum, has also publicly voiced concerns about his health.
In their letter addressed to the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the former captains highlighted Khan’s contributions to cricket, particularly his leadership in Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup triumph. They described him as one of the finest all-rounders and captains in the sport’s history, respected across nations.
The signatories urged authorities to ensure immediate and adequate medical attention from qualified specialists of his choice, humane conditions of detention in line with international standards, regular family access and fair, transparent legal processes.
The appeal emphasized that it was made in the spirit of sportsmanship and humanity, without prejudice to ongoing legal proceedings. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, the political party founded by Khan, has also expressed concern over his reported health issues.
The Pakistan government has not yet issued an official response to the appeal. [KNT]
