14 captains request medical treatment for Imran Khan in an open letter to Pakistan PM

A group of former international captains has requested “adequate and ongoing medical attention” for incarcerated Imran Khan in an open letter addressed to Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif. 

14 captains come in support of Khan

The letter, drafted by Greg Chappell, was signed by fourteen captain including Ian Chappell, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Clive Lloyd, Allan Border, Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Michael Brearley, David Gower, Steve Waugh, John Wright, Kim Hughes and Belinda Clark.

Cricketer-turned-politician Khan has suffered an eye infection in prison, which is claimed by his legal team to have left him with only 15 per cent vision amid reported medical neglect. 

A government minister confirmed the former captain would be shifted to a hospital for treatment, though the transfer hasn’t materialised yet.

"Imran Khan's contributions to the game are universally admired. As captain, he led Pakistan to their historic 1992 Cricket World Cup victory - a triumph built on skill, resilience, leadership, and sportsmanship that inspired generations across borders.

"Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or grew up idolising his all-round brilliance, charisma, and competitive spirit. He remains one of the finest all-rounders and captains the sport has ever seen, earning respect from players, fans, and administrators alike," the letter read. 

Family visits denied

Khan was arrested in August 2023 before being sentenced on several charges, which he and his supporters say were fabricated for political reasons. However, Khan, who served as the country’s Prime Minister from 2018 to his ouster in 2022, has been held under virtual solitary confinement, with visits from his family members, party workers, and his medical team denied.

"We respectfully urge the Government of Pakistan to ensure that Imran Khan receives immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing to address his reported health issues, humane and dignified conditions of detention in line with international standards, including regular visits by close family members, and fair and transparent access to legal processes without undue delay or hindrance,” the letter further read.

Human Rights Organisations voice concern

These fourteen captains join Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Ajay Jadeja and several other cricketers who appealed for the provision of immediate medical attention to the former PM. 

Additionally, human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the International Federation of Human Rights, have also expressed concerns over Khan’s condition. 

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