A remarkable show of unity has emerged from the global cricket community as 14 former international captains, including Indian icons Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, have penned a heartfelt letter to the government of Pakistan, appealing for better treatment and medical care for Imran Khan, the country’s former prime minister and legendary cricketer.
The appeal, delivered on Tuesday to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reflects growing concern among some of the sport’s most respected figures over reports about Khan’s deteriorating health during his ongoing incarceration.
Cross-Border Solidarity From the Cricketing Brotherhood
The letter was drafted by former Australian captain Greg Chappell and signed by leading names from cricketing history—including players from Australia, England, the West Indies, and New Zealand, alongside Gavaskar and Kapil Dev.
According to the group, their concern stems from reports that Khan, 73, has suffered a significant deterioration in his eyesight and overall health while held in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, with some accounts suggesting he has lost up to 85 % of vision in his right eye.
“Recent reports concerning his health—particularly the alarming deterioration of his vision while in custody—have caused us profound concern,” the former captains wrote. “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 dignity and the basic human consideration befitting a former national leader and global sporting icon.”
What the Petition Requests
The letter urges the Pakistani government to ensure:
- Immediate and appropriate medical care from qualified specialists
- Humane and dignified detention conditions aligned with international standards
- Regular access to family and fair legal processes without restrictions 🇵🇰
Signatories include Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Nasser Hussain, David Gower, Clive Lloyd and others, representing some of cricket’s most celebrated captains of their generation.
Beyond Rivalries: Respect for a Sporting Icon
While political tensions between India and Pakistan remain high, the response from Gavaskar and Kapil Dev highlights how deep respect for the sport’s shared history can rise above national boundaries. The group emphasized that the spirit of cricket—built on mutual respect and sportsmanship—should extend to how former players are treated, regardless of their political life after retirement.
This appeal mirrors other global human-rights concerns voiced recently about Khan’s treatment in detention. Authorities in Pakistan have maintained that medical procedures are underway and have rejected claims of neglect, with the Supreme Court examining aspects of his care and access.
As the letter gains international attention, it underscores the unique position sports figures can occupy—not only as ambassadors of the game but also as influential voices calling for dignity and humanity in difficult times
