A powerful collective of former international cricket captains, including Indian legends Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, has issued a joint appeal urging the Pakistan government to provide immediate and adequate medical care to Imran Khan. The statement, released on February 17, has added significant global attention to concerns surrounding Khan’s reported health issues and conditions in custody.
Imran Khan, widely regarded as one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders and the captain who led Pakistan to their historic triumph at the 1992 Cricket World Cup, has been incarcerated since August 2023. Reports of a sharp deterioration in his vision — particularly severe loss in his right eye — prompted the former captains to speak out collectively.
The joint statement was signed by an illustrious list of cricketing leaders: Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Sunil Gavaskar, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Kapil Dev, Stephen Waugh and John Wright. Many of them competed directly against Khan during his playing days and described him as one of the finest captains and all-rounders the sport has ever seen.
In their appeal, the former captains expressed deep concern over the reported treatment and detention conditions of the 73-year-old. While acknowledging political complexities, they emphasised that their statement was rooted in sportsmanship and humanity rather than politics.
“Cricket has long been a bridge between nations,” the statement read, highlighting how rivalries on the field are ultimately defined by respect. The signatories urged authorities to ensure Khan receives ongoing medical care from qualified specialists, humane detention conditions, regular access to family, and fair, transparent legal processes without delay.
The appeal comes after Khan was examined by doctors on February 15 following complaints of severe vision impairment. Pakistan’s Supreme Court had directed that a detailed medical check-up be conducted before February 16. Although there were indications he might be moved to a hospital, doctors instead visited Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. According to a lawyer from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Khan claimed he had lost approximately 85 percent vision in his right eye.
Earlier, he had been taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, where a medical procedure was performed. However, PTI raised concerns about the examination process, stating it was conducted without the presence of Khan’s family members or personal doctors.
Khan, who served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, has consistently described the multiple cases against him as politically motivated. Beyond the legal debate, however, his former peers insist that his legacy as a cricketer transcends politics.
Former teammate Wasim Akram also urged authorities to prioritise Khan’s health, calling the situation heartbreaking.
For many in the cricketing fraternity, this appeal is less about governance and more about gratitude — a recognition of a man whose leadership in 1992 inspired a generation. Whether as captain, prime minister or prisoner, they argue, dignity and proper medical care are universal rights that should never be compromised.
