Famous Cricket Players Ask Pakistan to Treat Imran Khan Well in Jail

Some of the world's most famous former cricket captains have written to Pakistan's government. They are worried about Imran Khan, who is in jail. They want him to get good medical care and be treated with respect.
By Newsroom | Sports, Pakistan |

A group of fourteen former international cricket captains has formally appealed to the Government of Pakistan, requesting fair and humane treatment for jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The appeal, issued on February 17, 2026, centers on growing concerns about Khan's deteriorating health while in custody and calls for immediate medical attention and dignified consideration.

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Context of the Appeal

Imran Khan, who led Pakistan to a Cricket World Cup victory in 1992 before entering politics and later serving as Prime Minister, has been imprisoned for over two years. He faces multiple convictions, including a corruption case for which he received a 14-year sentence in 2023. Recent reports and statements from his legal team have highlighted his declining health, particularly a significant loss of vision in his right eye, which has allegedly been exacerbated by a lack of timely medical care.

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  • Imprisonment Duration: Over two years, dating back to August 2023 for some reports.

  • Key Convictions: Corruption charges, leading to cumulative jail terms reported up to 31 years.

  • Reported Health Issues: Deterioration of overall health and significant vision loss in the right eye, with claims of neglect.

  • Legal and Family Concerns: Lawyers and family members have raised alarms about his condition and alleged denial of proper medical attention.

Evidence of the Appeal

The joint statement, signed by fourteen former cricket captains from various nations, details specific concerns and requests directed at the Pakistani government.

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  • Core Demands:

  • Immediate, adequate, and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists.

  • Treatment with dignity and basic human consideration.

  • Transparent legal procedures.

  • Stated Concerns:

  • "Recent reports concerning his health—particularly the alarming deterioration of his vision while in custody— and the conditions of his imprisonment over the past two and a half years have caused us profound concern."

  • Allegations of prison authorities ignoring medical complaints for months.

  • Khan's claim of retaining only 15 percent vision in his right eye.

Signatories and Their Stature

The appeal is notable for the international recognition of its signatories, many of whom shared the field with Khan during his illustrious cricket career. Their collective voice emphasizes a shared respect within the cricketing fraternity that transcends national and political boundaries.

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  • Prominent Indian Signatories:

  • Sunil Gavaskar: Renowned former Indian opening batsman and captain.

  • Kapil Dev: Legendary Indian all-rounder and World Cup-winning captain.

  • Other Notable Former Captains:

  • Allan Border (Australia)

  • Steve Waugh (Australia)

  • Ian Chappell (Australia)

  • Greg Chappell (Australia)

  • Michael Atherton (England)

  • Nasser Hussain (England)

  • Mike Brearley (England)

  • David Gower (England)

  • Clive Lloyd (West Indies)

  • Kim Hughes (Australia)

  • John Wright (New Zealand)

  • Belinda Clark (Australia Women's Cricket)

Humanitarian and Sporting Considerations

The former captains framed their appeal not solely on medical grounds but also on humanitarian principles and the shared values of sport. They highlighted Khan's stature as a former head of state and a global sporting icon.

"As fellow cricketers who understand the values of fair play, honour, and respect that transcend the boundary rope, we believe that a person of Imran Khan's stature deserves to be treated with the dignity and basic human consideration befitting a former national leader and a global sporting icon."

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This sentiment underscores a belief that the camaraderie and respect developed on the cricket field should extend to how individuals are treated, irrespective of their current circumstances or political affiliations.

Reports on Imran Khan's Health

Information regarding Imran Khan's health in custody has been pieced together from statements by his legal team, family, and reports from Pakistani media.

  • Vision Loss: Multiple sources cite claims that Khan has lost approximately 85 percent of vision in his right eye. A lawyer reported this condition after a meeting with Khan following a Supreme Court directive.

  • Medical Examinations: Khan was reportedly taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad for an eye procedure last month. An eye examination also took place at Adiala Jail on a Sunday following a Supreme Court order for a medical board to assess his condition.

  • Allegations of Neglect: Reports suggest that Khan's health issues, particularly his vision problems, were allegedly ignored by authorities for several months, despite his complaints.

  • Contrasting Information: While many reports highlight deteriorating health, one PTI lawyer's meeting with Khan reportedly contradicted some claims about his living conditions.

International Response and Silence from Pakistan Cricketers

The appeal from the international group stands in contrast to the limited public statements from former Pakistani cricketers regarding Khan's situation.

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  • International Support: Fourteen former captains from various cricketing nations have lent their names to the appeal.

  • Notable Absence: Notably, no current or former Pakistani cricket captains have signed this particular appeal. Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis have previously urged for Khan to receive the best possible medical care.

Conclusion and Implications

The collective appeal from fourteen distinguished former cricket captains represents a significant international intervention focused on the welfare of Imran Khan. By invoking principles of fair play, dignity, and humanitarian concern, the signatories are pressing the Pakistani government to address the reported health issues and treatment conditions of the jailed former Prime Minister. The appeal highlights a perceived disparity between Khan's past status as a national leader and sporting hero and his current circumstances in custody. The response from the Pakistani government to this high-profile humanitarian plea remains a key development to observe.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who asked the Pakistan government to treat Imran Khan well?
Fourteen former international cricket captains asked the government. Famous players like Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev from India signed the letter.
Q: Why are they asking this?
They are worried about Imran Khan's health in jail. They say he is not getting good medical care and needs to be treated with respect.
Q: How long has Imran Khan been in jail?
He has been in jail for more than two years.
Q: What health problems does Imran Khan have?
Reports say his health is getting worse, and he has lost a lot of vision in one eye.