More than a dozen former international cricket captains, including India’s Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, rallied Tuesday for jailed Pakistan ex-premier Imran Khan, appealing the Islamabad government to give him “adequate” medical treatment.
The statement, signed by 14 captains and seen by AFP, demands the proper care of Khan, a former World Cup-winning captain who according to his lawyer has lost most of the vision in his right eye.
Khan has been in jail since 2023 and was sentenced late last year along with his wife to 17 years on corruption charges they both deny.
A United Nations panel of experts found last year that Khan’s detention “had no legal basis and appears to have been intended to disqualify him from running for political office”.
His lawyer visited Khan in jail last week and later submitted a report to Pakistan’s chief justice and the Supreme Court detailing his concerns and requesting treatment for his client.
The statement signed by the former cricket skippers “respectfully” urges Pakistan “to ensure that Imran Khan receives immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing”.
The campaign is led by former Australian captain and contemporary of Khan, Greg Chappell.
“Khan deserves fair and transparent access to legal processes without undue delay or hindrance,” the statement said.
Other signatories are Michael Atherton, Michael Brearley, Nasser Hussain and David Gower (England), Allan Border, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Steve Waugh and Kim Hughes (Australia), Clive Lloyd (West Indies) and John Wright (New Zealand).
Pakistan’s Supreme Court has already requested a report on Khan’s living conditions in the Adiala jail near Rawalpindi, in connection with a case that has been pending since 2023.
Authorities had previously confirmed that Khan underwent a 20-minute medical procedure in January at Islamabad’s government hospital but gave no other details.
“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 captains said, calling for “decency and justice”.
Khan was prime minister from 2018 to 2022 before being removed in a no-confidence vote during a political crisis over tensions between his government and Pakistan’s powerful military establishment.
He has since faced multiple legal cases on corruption and other charges. Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, maintain that the cases against him are politically motivated.
His arrest triggered nationwide protests in May 2023, some of which turned violent and led to hundreds of arrests.
The office of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told AFP it had not yet received the captains’ statement.
Full statement signed by former international captains Michael Atherton (England), Allan Border (Australia), Michael Brearley (England), Greg Chappell (Australia), Ian Chappell (Australia), Belinda Clark (Australia), Sunil Gavaskar (India), David Gower (England), Kim Hughes (Australia), Nasser Hussain (England), Clive Lloyd (West Indies), Kapil Dev (India), Steve Waugh (Australia), John Wright (New Zealand)
“We, the undersigned former captains of our national cricket teams, write with deep concern regarding the reported treatment and incarceration conditions of Imran Khan, the distinguished former Captain of Pakistan and a legendary figure in world cricket.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Originally published as Aussie cricket legends shattered as ‘idol’ goes blind in jail