Gavaskar, Kapil, Lloyd among 14 legendary captains appealing to Pakistan government for fair treatment of Imran Khan in jail

Former Cricket Captains Raise Concern Over Imran Khan’s Health

A group of prominent former international cricket captains has issued a joint statement urging the Government of Pakistan to ensure that former Prime Minister and World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan receives “immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention” while in custody.

The statement, released on February 17, expresses alarm over reports of a sharp deterioration in Khan’s vision and concerns regarding the conditions of his detention over the past two and a half years.

Among the signatories are Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Sunil Gavaskar, Clive Lloyd, Michael Brearley, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Kapil Dev, Stephen Waugh and John Wright.

“A Global Sporting Icon”

In their joint appeal, the former captains described Khan as a legendary figure in world cricket, recalling his leadership in guiding Pakistan to its historic 1992 Cricket World Cup triumph.

They emphasized that, regardless of political differences, Khan was democratically elected as Pakistan’s Prime Minister and deserves to be treated with dignity and basic human consideration.

The group called on authorities to ensure:

• Immediate and ongoing medical care from qualified specialists of his choosing
• Humane and dignified detention conditions in line with international standards
• Regular access to family members
• Fair and transparent legal processes without undue delay

The statement stressed that the appeal was made in the spirit of sportsmanship and humanity, without prejudice to any ongoing legal proceedings.

Medical Examination Ordered by Supreme Court

The appeal comes after Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered a detailed medical examination of the 73-year-old before February 16.

Doctors visited Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on February 15 after Khan reportedly complained of severe vision loss in his right eye. According to a lawyer affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Khan claimed he had lost approximately 85 percent of vision in that eye.

Last month, he was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad for an eye procedure. However, PTI representatives later stated that the medical examination was unacceptable without the presence of family members, personal doctors, and party officials.

Legal and Political Background

Khan served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022. He was imprisoned in August 2023 and has faced charges in more than 100 cases, including allegations related to state secrets and state gifts, which he maintains are politically motivated.

A towering figure in Pakistan’s history, Khan first gained national and international recognition through his cricketing career, culminating in Pakistan’s only ODI World Cup victory in 1992.

Former teammate and fast bowler Wasim Akram also publicly urged authorities to ensure Khan receives the best possible medical care, expressing hope for his recovery.

Growing International Attention

The joint statement by former captains underscores the global attention surrounding Khan’s health and detention. While legal proceedings continue, the appeal reflects concerns from some of cricket’s most respected figures, who say their call is grounded in principles of decency, justice and respect that transcend politics.