14 Former Captains Appeal to Pakistan Government for Imran Khan’s Welfare
In an unprecedented show of solidarity, 14 former international cricket captains including legends Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and Greg Chappell have jointly appealed to the Government of Pakistan to ensure better treatment for imprisoned former Prime Minister and World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan.
The signatories, representing seven cricket-playing nations, released a formal statement expressing “profound concern” over reports of Khan’s deteriorating health and conditions of detention over the past two and a half years. The appeal specifically highlights alarming reports of his vision loss while in custody.
Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar among 14 former international cricket captains requesting Pakistan Govt for fair medical treatment, dignified detention conditions and fair trial for Imran Khan
These guys have shown how they may have been rivals on the field but will be friends forever… pic.twitter.com/Yr2tQpKcx6— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) February 17, 2026
“We respectfully urge the Government of Pakistan to ensure that Imran Khan receives: Immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing… Humane and dignified conditions of detention in line with international standards… Fair and transparent access to legal processes,” the statement read.
The appeal emphasizes Khan’s stature as both a sporting icon and former national leader, noting his universal admiration for leading Pakistan to the 1992 Cricket World Cup victory. “Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or grew up idolizing his all-round brilliance, charisma, and competitive spirit,” the captains wrote.
Other signatories include Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Sir Clive Lloyd, Steve Waugh, and John Wright.
The captains concluded by invoking cricket’s unifying 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.”
Khan has been incarcerated since 2023 under reportedly poor conditions, with limited family access, amid an ongoing political crisis in Pakistan.
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