14 Ex-International Captains Write to Pakistan PM, Seek Dignified Treatment for Imran Khan

February 17, 2026: Fourteen former international cricket captains — including India’s Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev — have written to the Pakistan government expressing deep concern over the health of jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. They have asked the authorities to provide proper medical treatment and ensure dignified conditions in prison.

Khan, 73, has been in prison since 2023 after being convicted in a corruption case. Recent reports say the 1992 World Cup-winning captain has suffered severe damage to his eyesight while held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. Some reports claim he has lost up to 85% of vision in his right eye.

In a joint letter titled “Appeal by Former International Cricket Captains,” the group asked Pakistan to ensure fair treatment and safeguard Khan’s health.

“We, the undersigned former captains of our national teams, write with deep concern about the reported treatment and prison conditions of Imran Khan, the former captain of Pakistan and a legendary figure in world cricket,” the letter said.

“Recent reports about his health — especially the serious damage to his eyesight while in custody — and the conditions of his imprisonment over the past two and a half years have caused us great worry.”

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

Respect Beyond Politics

The former captains framed their appeal in the spirit of sport rather than politics. They said the values of cricket — fair play, honour, and respect — should extend beyond the field.

“As fellow cricketers, we believe that a person of Imran Khan’s stature deserves to be treated with dignity and basic human care, befitting a former national leader and global sports icon,” the letter stated.

Along with Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, the signatories include Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Steve Waugh, and John Wright — a list of some of the most influential names in modern cricket.

The letter asked Pakistan to ensure:

• Immediate and proper medical attention from specialists chosen by Khan

• Humane and dignified detention, including regular visits from family

• Fair and transparent access to legal processes without unnecessary delays

“Cricket has always been a bridge between nations. Rivalry ends when the stumps are drawn, and respect lasts. Imran Khan showed that spirit throughout his career,” the letter said.

The former captains emphasized that their appeal is made in the spirit of sportsmanship and human compassion, without affecting any legal proceedings.

They also highlighted Khan’s achievements in cricket. He led Pakistan to its first Cricket World Cup victory in 1992, a campaign remembered as one of the most dramatic in history. Known as one of cricket’s best all-rounders, Khan influenced many players in Pakistan and earned respect from his rivals.

“Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or grew up admiring his talent, leadership, and competitive spirit,” the letter noted.

Beyond cricket, Khan served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister after being elected in 2018. “Regardless of political views, he holds the honour of having been democratically elected to the highest office in his country,” the letter stated.