21 Former Indian Captains Including Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar, Issue Urgent Joint Appeal to Pak Govt for Imran Khan’s Release

Twenty-one former Indian cricket captains, including legends Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and Sourav Ganguly, have issued an unprecedented joint appeal to the Government of Pakistan urging immediate intervention regarding the safety and well-being of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The signers expressed grave concern over reports surrounding Khan’s health and conditions of detention. Khan, who led Pakistan to its historic 1992 Cricket World Cup triumph, has been imprisoned since August 2023 following multiple legal charges following his removal from office.

Legends Rally Behind World Cup Winning Captain

The signatories represent several generations of Indian cricket leadership, spanning eras from Dilip Vengsarkar, Mohammad Azharuddin, and Sachin Tendulkar to Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and MS Dhoni. Former women's national team captains including Shantha Rangaswamy, Diana Edulji, and Mithali Raj also signed the collective statement.

The appeal highlights the shared sporting heritage between the two nations, setting aside geopolitical tensions to address the humanitarian aspects of Khan's current plight.

"As colleagues who competed against him on the field and shared decades of mutual respect off it, we are deeply concerned by reports concerning his physical condition and restricted access to family and medical care," the joint statement noted. "We appeal to the authorities in Pakistan to ensure he receives basic human rights, appropriate medical attention, and dignity."

Cross-Border Sporting Fraternity Unites

The initiative gained traction following recent reports from Khan’s legal team and political supporters alleging deteriorating health conditions inside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. Pakistani authorities have consistently maintained that Khan is provided standard facilities and medical checks in accordance with jail manuals.

This public intervention marks a rare instance where the Indian sporting fraternity has collectively addressed the political leadership of a neighbouring state. While the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi has maintained a strict stance of non-interference in Pakistan’s domestic affairs, the signatories clarified that their statement remains purely an act of personal solidarity among sporting peers.

Pakistani officials have not yet issued a formal response to the joint appeal.