A group of former international cricket captains, including Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, have issued a joint statement urging the Pakistani government to ensure that former prime minister and World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan is given immediate and adequate medical attention and treated with dignity in custody.
A statement issued on February 17 said the former captains were deeply concerned by reports of a sharp deterioration in Khan’s vision while he was incarcerated, as well as the conditions of his detention over the past two and a half years.
Signatories include Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Sunil Gavaskar, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Kapil Dev, Stephen Waugh and John Wright.
“We, the undersigned former captains of our national cricket teams, write with deep concern regarding the reported treatment and conditions of imprisonment of Imran Khan, the distinguished former captain of Pakistan and legendary figure of world cricket,” the statement read.
The group highlighted Khan’s contribution to the sport and recalled how he led Pakistan to a historic triumph in the Cricket World Cup in 1992. They described the victory as one built on leadership, resilience and sportsmanship that inspired generations across borders.
“Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him or grew up praying for his all-round brilliance, charisma and competitive spirit. He remains one of the best all-rounders and captains the sport has ever seen,” the statement added.
The captains also referred to Khan’s tenure as Pakistan’s democratically elected prime minister, stressing that he deserves humane treatment regardless of political differences.
They urged the Pakistani government to ensure that Khan receives immediate and ongoing medical care from qualified professionals, humane conditions of detention, including regular family visits, and fair and transparent access to legal processes without undue delay.
“Cricket has long been a bridge between nations. Our shared history on the field reminds us that rivalries end when the stumps are drawn and respect endures,” the appeal reads. “This challenge is made in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity without prejudice to any legal proceedings.”
WHAT HAPPENED SO FAR
The appeal comes days after Khan was examined by a team of doctors on February 15 following complaints of severe vision loss in his right eye. His party questioned the manner in which the medical examination was conducted.
The Supreme Court ordered a detailed medical examination of the 73-year-old before February 16. While officials indicated that he might be taken to hospital, doctors instead visited Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
A lawyer from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, who met Khan on a court order to assess his living conditions, said Khan claimed to have lost about 85 percent vision in right eye.
Last month, Khan was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, where he underwent surgery on his eye. PTI said the examination was unacceptable without the presence of Khan’s family members, personal doctors and party representatives.
Khan served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022. He has been imprisoned since August 2023 and faces multiple cases that he has described as politically motivated.
Earlier, former teammate Wasim Akram also urged the authorities to ensure that Khan receives the best possible medical care, saying it was heartbreaking to hear about his health concerns.
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
February 17, 2026