‘Treat him with dignity’: Sunil Gavaskar, Greg Chappell among 14 former captains back Imran Khan
Fourteen former international cricket captains have written to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, voicing “profound concern” over the health and prison conditions of former Pakistan captain and ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, and urging authorities to treat him with “dignity and basic human consideration”.
The open letter, reported by The Age, highlights recent reports of a serious eye complaint that Khan’s family claims has left him almost blind in one eye. They have alleged medical neglect during his incarceration, claims the Pakistan government has denied.
The petition was drafted by former Australia captain Greg Chappell and signed by a distinguished group of cricket leaders, many of whom competed against Khan during his playing career. Among the signatories are Kapil Dev, Allan Border, Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd and Steve Waugh, among others.
“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 letter states.
The captains emphasised Khan’s stature in world cricket, recalling his leadership in guiding Pakistan to their historic triumph at the 1992 Cricket World Cup.
“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,” the letter reads. “He remains one of the finest all-rounders and captains the sport has ever seen.”
Growing pressure over prison conditions
The appeal comes amid mounting scrutiny over Khan’s health and treatment in jail. His family has reportedly been denied visitation rights for several months and has called for access to his personal doctors — a request that, according to them, has not been granted. Weekend reports suggesting he would be moved to hospital have not materialised.
Several former Pakistan cricketers, including Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar, have also urged authorities to ensure Khan receives appropriate medical care. Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja called on Pakistan’s cricketing fraternity to speak up in his support.
Khan, who served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, is currently serving multiple prison sentences on charges that he and his supporters describe as politically motivated. These include corruption convictions carrying sentences of 10, 14 and 17 years. Ahead of the 2024 general elections, he was also sentenced to seven years in prison in a case related to his marriage; that conviction was later overturned following widespread criticism.
In their letter, the former captains stressed that their appeal transcends political affiliations.
“Beyond cricket, Imran Khan served as Prime Minister of Pakistan, leading his nation during a challenging period,” they wrote. “Regardless of political perspectives, he holds the honour of having been democratically elected to the highest office in his country.”
They urged the government to ensure “immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing”, humane conditions of detention consistent with international standards, regular family visits, and fair and transparent legal processes.
International rights organisations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the International Federation for Human Rights, have also raised concerns about the fairness of his trial and the conditions of his detention. Khan’s sons have alleged that he remains confined in a “death cell” and subjected to psychological pressure — allegations that Pakistani authorities have consistently rejected.
The captains concluded their appeal by invoking cricket’s enduring spirit.
“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.”