Fourteen former international cricket captains from five Test-playing nations have written to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calling for improved prison conditions and urgent medical care for former Pakistan prime minister and World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan.
The petition, drafted by former Australian captain Greg Chappell, was delivered on Tuesday afternoon. It carries the signatures of Indian greats Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, Australians Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark and Kim Hughes, England’s Mike Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Mike Brearley and David Gower, West Indies legend Clive Lloyd and former New Zealand captain John Wright.
In their letter, the group expressed deep concern about reports surrounding Khan’s health during his detention in Rawalpindi’s Adiala prison, where he has been held for more than two years on corruption charges. “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 added that as fellow cricketers who understand the values of fair play and respect, they believe Khan deserves treatment reflecting his status as a former national leader and global sporting figure.
Chappell said the appeal was prompted by accounts of Khan’s worsening health, including claims of severe vision loss. Supporters have stated that he has lost up to 85 per cent of vision in his right eye and has had restricted access to family members and personal doctors.
The former captains urged the government to ensure Khan receives immediate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing. They also called for humane detention conditions in line with international standards, regular family visits and transparent access to legal processes without delay.
“Cricket has long been a bridge between nations,” the letter stated. “Our shared history on the field reminds us that rivalry ends when the stumps are drawn and respect endures.”
Gavaskar described the situation as distressing, saying he has known Khan since his early county cricket days in England. “It’s terrible what they are doing to him,” he said.
Calls for medical intervention have also come from former Pakistan fast bowlers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, who spoke out earlier this week following reports of Khan’s deteriorating eyesight.
Khan’s son, Sulaiman, has described the conditions of his father’s confinement as harsh, claiming he is being held in a small cell previously used for death row inmates and that electricity and reading materials are sometimes withheld.
Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have been incarcerated since August 2023 following his removal from office. Recent convictions have resulted in cumulative prison sentences amounting to 31 years.
