Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has doubled down on the demand for the Pakistan government to treat Imran Khan better. Responding to a letter written by 14 former cricket captains seeking fair treatment for the former Pakistan captain, Ganguly said that Imran has put Pakistan on the world map and deserves fair treatment.
In a rare show of cross-border solidarity, 14 former international cricket captains have jointly appealed to the Pakistani government to ensure humane treatment and immediate medical attention for Imran Khan, the former Pakistan captain and former prime minister, who is currently in jail.
The appeal, published on Tuesday 17 February, underscores deep concern over Khan’s reported deterioration in health and the conditions of his imprisonment over the past two and a half years.
“They did the right thing. I hope he recovers and gets the right treatment. He put Pakistan on the world map, first as the captain of the Pakistan cricket team and then as the Prime Minister, so he should be taken care of and I expect that.”
Among the signatories were iconic names from the world of cricket, including Indian legends Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, Australia’s Greg and Ian Chappell, Steve Waugh and Allan Border, England’s Mike Brearley, David Gower and Nasser Hussain, West Indies great Clive Lloyd, former Australian captain Johnind Wright of New Zealand Clark and former Australian captain Johnind Wright of New Zealand and Allan Border.
In their joint statement titled *”Calling on Former International Cricket Captains”*, the group described Khan as a “great former captain” and a “legendary figure in world cricket”, recalling his leadership in leading Pakistan to a historic triumph in the 1992 Cricket World Cup – a victory built on leadership, resilience and sportsmanship that resonated globally.
“GIVE IMRAN MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY”
The captains urged Pakistani authorities to ensure that Khan, 73, receives “immediate, adequate and sustained medical care from qualified specialists of his choice” along with humane conditions of detention that are in line with international standards, including regular family visits. They also called for fair and transparent access to legal processes without unnecessary delays and obstacles.
“Cricket has long been a bridge between nations,” read the appeal. “Our shared history on the field reminds us that rivalries end when the stumps are pulled – and respect remains. Imran Khan embodied this spirit throughout his career. We call on the authorities to honor this now by upholding the principles of decency and fairness.”
The humanitarian appeal follows reports that Khan experienced severe vision impairment while in custody, with some accounts claiming he may have lost up to 85 percent of the vision in his right eye. Khan was examined by a team of doctors on 15 February following these complaints, but his family and supporters criticized the process, saying it lacked transparency and proper oversight.
Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 on several charges that he and his supporters describe as politically motivated. Despite the tense political backdrop, the captains’ statement stressed that the appeal was conducted with “sportsmanship and common humanity” without prejudice to any legal proceedings.
The letter also highlighted Khan’s tenure as Pakistan’s democratically elected prime minister from 2018 to 2022 and urged that regardless of political differences, he deserves humane treatment in custody.
– The end
Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
February 17, 2026
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