Imran Khan has once again become the focus of international attention — this time not for his achievements on the cricket field or his political career, but over growing concerns about his health and treatment in prison. Fourteen former international cricket captains, including India’s legendary cricketers Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar, have jointly written to the Pakistan government expressing serious concern about the former Pakistan Prime Minister’s reported deteriorating health while in custody.
The letter, described as an appeal rooted in sportsmanship and humanitarian values, calls on authorities to provide Imran Khan with adequate medical care in line with international standards and to ensure he is treated with dignity.
Why Former Cricket Captains Are Speaking Out
According to reports cited by Press Trust of India, the group of former cricket captains raised alarm over what they describe as troubling reports about Imran Khan’s health condition inside prison. The letter has been formally sent to the Pakistan government under the subject line: “Appeal by Former International Cricket Captains.”
The signatories have urged Pakistani authorities to guarantee immediate and continuous access to qualified medical professionals of Khan’s choosing. They also emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and fairness in legal and custodial processes.
Imran Khan, who led Pakistan to its historic victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup, is currently serving a 14-year prison sentence in a corruption case. He is being held at Adiala Jail, where concerns have reportedly intensified regarding his health.
Reports of Serious Health Deterioration
One of the most alarming claims highlighted in the letter relates to reports that Imran Khan may have lost up to 85% of vision in his right eye due to a lack of adequate medical attention while incarcerated. While these claims have not been independently verified by international medical authorities, they have been widely circulated in Pakistani and international media.
The former captains wrote that the recent reports about Khan’s declining eyesight and overall health over the past two and a half years have left them deeply troubled.
In the letter, they stated:
“We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the reported treatment and prison conditions faced by our fellow former international cricket captain, former national leader, and global cricket icon, Imran Khan. The recent reports about his health, particularly the deterioration of his eyesight while in custody, are extremely worrying.”
They further stressed that regardless of political or legal matters, Imran Khan deserves humane treatment befitting his stature as both a former national leader and a globally respected sporting figure.
The 14 Signatories: A Global Cricket Voice
The appeal carries significant weight given the stature of the individuals involved. Alongside Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar, the letter has been signed by several former captains from around the world, including:
- Michael Atherton
- Allan Border
- Michael Brearley
- Greg Chappell
- Ian Chappell
- Belinda Clark
- David Gower
- Kim Hughes
- Nasser Hussain
- Clive Lloyd
- Steve Waugh
- John Wright
The collective involvement of such globally recognised cricket figures underscores the seriousness with which the issue is being viewed in the international sporting community.
Sunil Gavaskar, Michael Atherton, Ian Chappell and Clive Lloyd are among 14 former international captains that have written a letter to Pakistan's prime minister expressing concern for the health of Imran Khan
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 17, 2026
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Call for “Decency and Justice”
The former captains clarified that their appeal is not intended to interfere with Pakistan’s legal system. Instead, they emphasised that their request is guided purely by humanitarian principles.
The letter urges Pakistani authorities to uphold “decency and justice” in their treatment of Imran Khan. It highlights that sporting rivalries and political differences should not overshadow fundamental human rights and dignity.
They wrote:
“We respectfully request that the Government of Pakistan ensure that Imran Khan is provided immediate, adequate, and continuous medical care by qualified specialists of his choice to address his reported health concerns.”
The signatories stressed that this appeal is motivated by the spirit of cricket and humanity and is not meant to prejudice any ongoing legal proceedings.
Background: Imran Khan’s Conviction
Imran Khan, who served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister before being removed from office, was sentenced in 2023 to 14 years in prison in connection with corruption charges. The case has remained controversial within Pakistan, with supporters arguing that the charges are politically motivated.
In recent weeks, Khan’s family members reportedly staged protests after being denied access to meet him. Large demonstrations were held before authorities eventually permitted family visits.
The former captains’ letter adds international attention to a situation that has already drawn strong reactions domestically within Pakistan.
Imran Khan: From Cricket Legend to Political Leader
Imran Khan’s legacy in world cricket remains significant. As captain, he led Pakistan to its first and only Cricket World Cup triumph in 1992, a victory that transformed him into a national hero. His leadership, charisma, and all-round performance in that tournament are still regarded as defining moments in cricket history.
Following his retirement from international cricket, he entered politics and eventually rose to become Prime Minister of Pakistan. His political journey, however, has been marked by turbulence, culminating in his removal from office and subsequent legal battles.
Today, concerns over Imran Khan’s health and prison conditions have united former rivals and teammates alike in a rare show of cross-border solidarity.
International Attention Grows
The joint appeal from 14 former captains signals that the issue has moved beyond domestic politics and into the realm of international humanitarian concern. While the Pakistan government has yet to issue a formal public response to the letter, the global cricketing fraternity will be closely watching developments.
For many fans across the UK, US, India, Australia, and beyond, Imran Khan represents more than a political figure. He remains a cricketing icon whose influence shaped a generation of players.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the call for humane treatment and proper medical care for Imran Khan has now become a matter of global sporting conscience.
