Gavaskar, Kapil among 14 ex-cricket captains urge Pakistan for urgent medical care for Imran

A group of 14 prominent former international cricket captains has appealed to the Pakistan government to ensure immediate and proper medical care for Imran Khan. The former Pakistani prime minister and captain of the 1992 World Cup-winning team is currently in jail.

In an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the group featuring legendary names including Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, Greg Chappell, Belinda Clark, Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Ian Chappell, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Clive Lloyd, Steve Waugh and John Wright have urged that Khan be afforded humane and dignified treatment amid concerns over his deteriorating health. The petition highlights his immense contributions to cricket and public life, emphasising that his service to the sport and nation transcends politics and should be respected with appropriate medical attention. 

The former captains underscored reports that Khan, 73, has lost 85 per cent of vision in his right eye. His supporters and family have also claimed they were denied the right to visit him in jail. The signatories called on the government to allow him immediate treatment by qualified specialists of his choosing, fair access to legal processes, and regular visits from family members. 

In recent days, prominent cricket figures such as Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shahid Afridi have also publicly expressed concern about Khan’s health, and reports indicate discussions about moving him to a hospital for specialised care. The letter represents a rare moment of unity among cricket greats from various countries, appealing for what they describe as basic human dignity and medical rights for a former player and national leader in distress.