Melbourne/Mumbai – In a rare show of friendship across borders, 14 former captains from the world of cricket have come together to ask the Pakistan government to treat Imran Khan better. Imran, who was once a star cricketer and later became Pakistan’s Prime Minister, is now in jail. These captains, including big names from India like Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, say they are worried about his health and the way he is being kept in prison. The appeal, dated February 17, 2026, talks about giving him good medical care, letting his family visit him often, and making sure his court cases are fair without delays. This move shows how cricket can bring people together, even when politics tries to keep them apart.
Imran Khan is not just any person. He led Pakistan to win the 1992 Cricket World Cup, a big moment for the country. Many remember him as a great all-rounder – someone who could bat, bowl, and lead his team well. After cricket, he entered politics and became Prime Minister in 2018. But things changed in 2022 when he lost power, and in 2023, he was put in jail on charges that his supporters say are not fair. Now, at 73 years old, reports say his health is getting worse, especially his eyesight. This has made his old rivals on the field stand up for him as friends.
The appeal is like a letter from old friends. It says, “We, the undersigned former captains of our national cricket teams, write with deep concern regarding the reported treatment and incarceration conditions of Imran Khan.” They talk about how Imran was a hero in cricket and how he deserves to be treated with respect. This is not about politics, they say, but about being human and fair.
Who Signed the Appeal and Why It Matters
The list of captains who signed is impressive. From India, there are Sunil Gavaskar, who was a batting master, and Kapil Dev, who led India to win the 1983 World Cup. From Australia, names like Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Steve Waugh, and Belinda Clark, who was a women’s team captain. England has Michael Atherton, David Gower, Nasser Hussain, and Michael Brearley. West Indies’ Clive Lloyd and New Zealand’s John Wright also joined. That’s 14 captains from five countries – India, Australia, England, West Indies, and New Zealand.
What’s interesting is that no former Pakistan captains signed it. People like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, or Inzamam-ul-Haq, who played under Imran in 1992, have not joined. Some say they might be scared of the government or just staying quiet. But last week, some Pakistan ex-players like Wasim, Waqar, and Shahid Afridi did post on social media asking for better medical care for Imran.
Greg Chappell from Australia led this effort. He drafted the letter and sent it to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Chappell played against Imran and knows him well. He said in a statement, “Imran was one of the finest all-rounders the game has seen. He remains one of the finest all-rounders and captains the sport has ever seen, earning respect from players, fans, and administrators alike.” The captains say they competed against him but shared the field with him, and now they want him treated right.
This appeal matters because cricket is big in places like India and Pakistan. Matches between these two countries stop everything – people watch with passion. But off the field, these captains show that respect lasts longer than any game. As the letter says, “Cricket has long been a bridge between nations. Our shared history on the field reminds us that rivalry ends when the stumps are drawn – and respect endures.”
Imran Khan’s Health Worries: What We Know
Imran has been in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since August 2023. That’s over two and a half years. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), says he is kept alone most of the time, which is hard on anyone. Reports say he has lost about 85% of the vision in his right eye because of a blood clot. His lawyer told Pakistan’s Supreme Court that despite complaints, jail officials did not act fast.
On February 15, 2026, doctors went to the jail to check him. The government says his vision has improved a bit – from very bad to better. But Imran’s family does not believe this. His sister says the check-up was not fair because his own doctor or family was not there. “We reject this report,” she said. His son Kasim Khan posted on X (formerly Twitter), “This is the direct consequence of 922 days of solitary confinement, medical neglect, and the deliberate denial of proper treatment in jail.”
Imran’s spokesman, Zulfi Bukhari, told news channels that Imran’s personal doctor was not allowed in. “Why not take him to a good hospital?” he asked. The Supreme Court has ordered better care, including talks with his sons on phone. But PTI says it’s not enough. They want him out on medical grounds or at least treated in a private hospital.
Doctors say vision loss like this needs quick help from eye experts. If not treated, it can get worse. Imran’s family is very worried. His two sons in London want to visit but face visa issues. A friend of Imran, writer Tariq Ali, wrote an open letter saying, “Don’t let him die. He is kept in solitary, his health is failing, his two sons in London are being denied visas to enter Pakistan and see him. Is this cruelty necessary?”
Reactions from Around the World
The appeal has made news everywhere. In India, where cricket is like a religion, people are talking about how Gavaskar and Kapil, who played tough games against Pakistan, are now supporting Imran. One fan on X said, “These guys have shown how they may have been rivals on the field but will be friends forever.” Newspapers like Times of India and Hindustan Times covered it big, saying it’s a humanitarian call, not political.
In Pakistan, the government has not said much yet. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office told news agencies they have not got the letter. But some ministers say Imran is getting care. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar posted that eye specialists are treating him. Still, PTI supporters are protesting in streets, holding signs for “Khan Needs Urgent Treatment.”
From Australia, The Age newspaper reported how Chappell started this. In England, Mike Atherton wrote in The Times, “I am one of 14 Test captains asking for Imran Khan to be treated with dignity.” Nasser Hussain, who is from Indian roots but played for England, said on Sky News, “Imran deserves better. We all remember his brilliance.”
Even in the US and Middle East, channels like Al Jazeera are covering it. They say it’s a sign that Imran’s case is watched worldwide. Human rights groups have joined, saying jail conditions in Pakistan need to follow international rules.
Cricket’s Role in Building Bridges
Cricket is more than a game in South Asia. For India and Pakistan, it’s a way to connect despite problems like border fights. Imran Khan himself said in the appeal’s spirit that rivalry ends at the boundary. Remember the 1992 World Cup? Imran led Pakistan to beat England in the final. But years later, those same players are friends.
Sunil Gavaskar played against Imran many times. He scored big runs, but always respected Imran’s skill. Kapil Dev, who won the World Cup against West Indies in 1983, knows what leadership means. Their signing shows cricket family sticks together. As Belinda Clark, Australia’s women’s captain, might say, it’s about fair play.
This appeal could push the Pakistan government to act. If not, more voices might join. PTI hopes it leads to Imran’s release or better treatment. For now, it’s a reminder that heroes like Imran touch lives beyond the pitch.
What Happens Next?
Imran’s court cases are ongoing. He faces charges like corruption, but his party says they are fake to keep him out of politics. The Supreme Court is watching his health. If vision gets worse, he might get bail on medical grounds. But politics in Pakistan is tricky, with army influence often talked about.
Family wants transparent care – blood tests, specialist visits, and family time. As one doctor posted on social media, “There are serious concerns about arbitrarily detained former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s health, primarily due to the absence of transparent, documented medical care.”
FAQs
1. What is the main reason for the appeal by former cricket captains?
The captains are worried about Imran Khan’s health, especially his vision loss, and the conditions in jail. They want immediate medical care from doctors he chooses, dignified treatment, family visits, and fair legal processes without delays. It’s a call based on humanity and respect for a cricket legend, not politics.
2. Who are the 14 captains who signed the appeal?
The signatories are: Michael Atherton (England), Allan Border (Australia), Michael Brearley (England), Greg Chappell (Australia), Ian Chappell (Australia), Belinda Clark (Australia), David Gower (England), Kim Hughes (Australia), Nasser Hussain (England), Clive Lloyd (West Indies), Padma Bhushan Kapil Dev (India), Steve Waugh (Australia), Sunil Gavaskar (India), and John Wright (New Zealand). They come from five countries and many played against Imran.
3. What is Imran Khan’s current health condition?
Reports say Imran has lost about 85% vision in his right eye due to a blood clot and delayed treatment. He had surgery in January 2026, but his family says care is not enough. Government doctors claim improvement, but PTI rejects it, saying no independent check. He has been in solitary confinement for over 900 days, which adds to health worries.
4. Why are no Pakistani former captains in the appeal?
It’s not clear, but some think they fear government backlash. However, ex-players like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shahid Afridi have spoken on social media for better care. The appeal notes Imran’s legacy, but local politics might keep them quiet.
5. How has the Pakistan government responded?
The government sent doctors to jail on February 15, 2026, and says his vision is better. They claim no objection to private hospital if needed. But Imran’s team wants full release or better access. Prime Minister’s office says they haven’t received the letter yet.
6. What role did Greg Chappell play in this?
Greg Chappell drafted the appeal and led the effort. He delivered it to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. As a former rival, he highlighted Imran’s brilliance and the need for dignity.
7. Is this appeal political or just humanitarian?
The captains say it’s in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity, without prejudice to legal proceedings. They focus on health and fair play values from cricket.
8. What can people do to support?
Share the story, follow updates from reliable news, and support human rights calls. PTI urges protests, but peacefully.