International

14 captains including Gavaskar-Kapil wrote a letter to Pakistan government, asked to provide ‘immediate medical aid’ to Imran Khan, expressed concern over atrocities in jail…

By Sandy Verma

New Delhi: 14 veteran former cricketers, including former Team India captain Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, have written a letter to the Pakistan Government, appealing to provide ‘immediate medical aid’ for Imran Khan. Let us tell you that in 1992, Pakistan won the World Cup under the captaincy of Imran Khan. After this he also became the Prime Minister of Pakistan. After this, as soon as Shehbaz Sharif came to power in Pakistan, Imran Khan was locked in a black cell on corruption charges.

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Imran’s condition is continuously deteriorating in jail

The statement issued on February 17 said that we are concerned about the news of the rapid decline in eyesight of former captain Imran Khan. The news of his ill health has been troubling us for the last two and a half years. We want them to be treated with basic human respect and humanity. The cricketers said that we believe that a person of Imran Khan’s stature, as a former national leader and global sporting figure, should be treated with due dignity and basic human respect. We humbly request the Government of Pakistan to ensure that Imran Khan gets the following facilities. Immediate, adequate and continuous medical care by qualified specialists of their choice to address their health problems.

Humane and dignified detention conditions in line with international standards, including regular visits by close family members. Fair and transparent access to legal processes without unnecessary delay or obstruction. Cricket has always been a bridge between countries. Our shared history on the field reminds us that when the stumps fall, rivalries end and respect continues. Imran Khan embodied this spirit throughout his career. We appeal to the authorities to respect this sentiment by adhering to the principles of decency and justice. This appeal is being made in the spirit of sportsmanship and humanity, without any adverse impact on any legal action.

Signatures of these 14 veterans in the letter

The signatories to this joint statement include stalwarts like 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.

The world’s greatest all-rounder and legendary captain

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Imran Khan not only made Pakistan win the 1992 World Cup but also gave many heroes to the country. Inspired a generation with his leadership, sportsmanship and fighting ability. Imran Khan is counted among the world’s best all-rounders and legendary captains.

What was said in the letter?

In the letter, the former captains have written that ‘We express deep concern about the detention of Imran Khan, the former captain of the national cricket teams of our respective countries, and the treatment being meted out to him. Imran Khan has been one of the greatest all-rounders and captains of world cricket. He led Pakistan to a historic victory in the 1992 World Cup, which was an epitome of sportsmanship and leadership. It is further said that the recent reports about his health, especially his failing eyesight, are extremely worrying. We urge the Government of Pakistan to provide them with immediate, adequate and specialist medical care. Also, the conditions of detention should be humane and dignified.

Increased concern about health

According to reports, Imran Khan has lost 85 percent of the vision in his right eye. His family has also alleged that they are not being allowed to meet him in jail. In December 2025, his son Suleiman said, ‘He is in a very small cell, which is called death cell.’ Imran Khan is in jail since August 2023. After being removed from power in 2022, several corruption cases were registered against him. He was sentenced to 31 years in prison in December 2025.

Silence of Pakistani greats, an appeal beyond sports

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Although last week former Pakistani players like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shahid Afridi had demanded better medical facilities on social media, this formal petition has not been signed by any former Pakistani captain. At the end of the letter it is written, ‘Cricket has always worked as a bridge between countries. Rivalry is limited to the pitch, respect always prevails. We are making this appeal in the spirit of sports and human values, not for the purpose of interfering in any legal process.

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