A group of 14 legendary international cricket captains has issued a formal appeal to the Government of Pakistan calling for the “humane and dignified” treatment of former Prime Minister and cricket icon Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated.
The petition, drafted by former Australian captain Greg Chappell, has been delivered to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It highlights growing international concern over Khan’s health, particularly reports of a severe deterioration in his vision.
The appeal centers on three primary demands to ensure the well-being of the 1992 World Cup-winning captain:
Immediate access to qualified specialists of Khan’s choosing to address his worsening health issues.
Ensuring prison conditions meet international standards, including regular visits from his family.
Providing fair and transparent access to legal processes without hindrance.
The signatories represent five major Test-playing nations, reflecting a rare moment of cross-border unity in the cricketing world.
They include Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev,
Australia Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Steve Waugh, Kim Hughes, Belinda Clark,England Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Michael Brearley, David Gower, West Indies Sir Clive Lloyd,New Zealand John Wright, The appeal comes amid alarming reports from Khan’s legal team and family claiming he has lost a significant percentage of vision in his right eye due to an untreated infection and neglect.
While Pakistani authorities have previously stated that medical procedures are underway, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and Khan’s family have disputed these claims, describing his current environment as a “death cell.”
Although no former Pakistani captains signed this specific petition, legends like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shahid Afridi have recently used social media to echo these calls, urging the government to prioritize the health of their former “skipper.”
Cricket has long been a bridge between nations… our shared history on the field reminds us that rivalry ends when the stumps are drawn—and respect endures.” the appeal states.
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