Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev among 14 captains to write to Pakistan for better treatment of Imran Khan

As many as fourteen former international captains have made an appeal to the Government of Pakistan for Imran Khan to receive medical care and better treatment amid rising concerns about his health. The fourteen captains penned a one-page request to the Pakistani government, urging expeditious action concerning Imran’s health.

Their appeal comes after reports have emerged that Imran, who has been in solitary confinement for the last several months, has suffered severe loss of vision in his right eye.

The signatories of the appeal, as per Cricbuzz, include former India captains Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, Australia’s Greg Chappell, Michael Atherton (OBE), Allan Border (AO, Australian of the Year 1989), Michael Brearley (OBE), Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark (AO), David Gower (OBE), Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain (OBE), Sir Clive Lloyd (CBE), Steve Waugh (AO, Australian of the Year 2004) and John Wright (MBE).

“We respectfully urge the Government of Pakistan to ensure that Imran Khan receives:

• “Immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing to address his reported health issues.
• “Humane and dignified conditions of detention in line with international standards, including regular visits by close family members.
• “Fair and transparent access to legal processes without undue delay or hindrance,” it reads.

“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 joint statement read.

“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 the dignity and basic human consideration befitting a former national leader and a global sporting icon,” they wrote.

The statement highlighted Imran’s contribution to cricket, including Pakistan’s historic 1992 ODI World triumph under his leadership.

“Imran Khan’s contributions to the game are universally admired. As captain, he led Pakistan to their historic 1992 Cricket World Cup victory – a triumph built on skill, resilience, leadership, and sportsmanship that inspired generations across borders,” it read.

“Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or grew up idolizing his all-round brilliance, charisma, and competitive spirit. He remains one of the finest all-rounders and captains the sport has ever seen, earning respect from players, fans, and administrators alike.

“Beyond cricket, Imran Khan served as Prime Minister of Pakistan, leading his nation during a challenging period. Regardless of political perspectives, he holds the honour of having been democratically elected to the highest office in his country,” the statement added.

The former captains appealed to the Pakistan Government to uphold the principles of decency and justice.

“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. Imran Khan embodied that spirit throughout his career.

“We call on authorities to honour it now by upholding the principles of decency and justice. This appeal is made in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity, without prejudice to any legal proceedings.”

Earlier, Pakistan’s legendary pace duo of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis had expressed grave concern over Imran’s deteriorating condition.

“It is heartbreaking to hear our skipper Imran Khan going through health issues,” Wasim, who has cited Imran as the biggest influence on his career, said on X, formerly Twitter. “I sincerely hope the authorities take this seriously and ensure he receives the best possible medical care. Wishing him strength, a speedy recovery, and a full return to good health.”

Waqar, in his post, had written:

“Putting politics aside, our national hero who gave us our greatest glory on the sporting field, a cancer hospital [which] helped so many, including my own mother, is suffering a health emergency and requires urgent treatment. I humbly request the related authorities he gets the appropriate treatment in a timely manner. Get well soon skipper.”

The other prominent voices to raise concern about Imran include Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi, Ramiz Raja and Mohammad Hafeez.