Global Cricket Legends Petition Pakistan Govt for Imran Khan’s Health; Local Stars Silent
NEW DELHI – Fourteen prominent former international cricket captains, including Indian legends Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, have issued a joint appeal to the Pakistan government expressing “deep concern” over the deteriorating health of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The collective statement urges authorities to ensure the 1992 World Cup-winning captain receives adequate medical attention and dignified treatment consistent with international human rights standards.
The letter addresses reports alleging that Khan, currently incarcerated at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, has suffered significant health setbacks, including an alleged 85% vision loss in his right eye due to medical neglect.
List of Signatories: 14 Captains Unite
The appeal, titled “Appeal by former International Cricket Captains,” features signatures from leaders across major cricketing nations, including Australia, England, India, New Zealand, and the West Indies. Notably, the list includes former New Zealand captain John Wright and Australian women’s cricket legend Belinda Clark.
| Country | Former Captains |
|---|---|
| India | Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev |
| Australia | Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Kim Hughes, Steve Waugh, Belinda Clark |
| England | Michael Atherton, Mike Brearley, David Gower, Nasser Hussain |
| West Indies | Clive Lloyd |
| New Zealand | John Wright |
Medical Neglect Allegations
The correspondence highlights the deteriorating conditions of Khan’s confinement. Legal representatives for the 73-year-old have previously claimed that prison conditions are exacerbating his age-related health issues.
The signatories stated: “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 group has outlined three specific demands for the Pakistani authorities:
- Immediate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of Khan’s choosing.
- Humane conditions of detention aligning with international standards, including regular family visits.
- Fair access to legal processes without obstruction.
For context on Imran Khan’s cricketing career and statistics, visit his ESPN Cricinfo profile.
Silence from Pakistan Cricket Fraternity
While the letter underscores the “bridge between nations” that cricket provides, it highlights a stark geopolitical divide. No former Pakistan captains or teammates—such as Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, or Ramiz Raja—are signatories to the document. The absence suggests the political sensitivity surrounding Khan’s incarceration within Pakistan.
“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,” the letter reads. “This appeal is made in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity, without prejudice to any legal proceedings.”
Background on Incarceration
Imran Khan served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 until his ouster in 2022. In 2023, he was sentenced to prison on corruption charges, which he contends are politically motivated. The former all-rounder is widely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest players, having led Pakistan to their only ODI World Cup triumph in 1992.
For official updates on international cricket governance, refer to the International Cricket Council (ICC).