Fourteen former international captains — including Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev — have issued a joint appeal to the Government of Pakistan, urging authorities to ensure better treatment and welfare for former Pakistan captain and ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The statement, shared with select media outlets including Cricbuzz, raises concern over Khan’s reported health issues and prison conditions. The signatories have called for his physical, mental, environmental and social wellbeing to be safeguarded during his incarceration.
Among the 14 former captains is also Greg Chappell, the former Australia skipper and ex-India head coach.
Key Demands in the Joint Statement
In their one-page appeal, the captains respectfully urged Pakistani authorities to ensure:
- Immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of Khan’s choosing to address reported health concerns.
- Humane and dignified detention conditions 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 other signatories include Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Steve Waugh and John Wright.
“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,” the statement read.
Respect Beyond Rivalry
The captains emphasised that their appeal transcends politics and is rooted in the shared values of cricket.
“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 dignity and basic human consideration befitting a former national leader and global sporting icon,” they wrote.
They highlighted Khan’s legacy as one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders and captains, noting his leadership in Pakistan’s historic triumph at the Cricket World Cup.
“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 statement also acknowledged his tenure as Pakistan’s Prime Minister, stressing that regardless of political viewpoints, he was democratically elected to the country’s highest office.
Appeal for Decency and Justice
Concluding their message, the former captains called on Pakistani authorities to uphold principles of decency and justice.
“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 honour it now.”
Khan has been incarcerated since 2023 amid multiple legal cases, with reports suggesting a decline in his health, including partial vision loss. The appeal, the captains stressed, is made “in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity, without prejudice to any legal proceedings.”
