In an unprecedented display of global solidarity, 14 of the greatest captains in cricket history have stepped off the pitch and into the diplomatic arena. Names that once defined on-field rivalries: Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Border, and Lloyd, have issued a joint appeal to the Pakistan government, urging "humane and dignified" treatment for the jailed former Prime Minister and 1992 World Cup icon, Imran Khan.
The health of Imran Khan has become a flashpoint following a medical examination on February 15, 2026. While the Supreme Court ordered a check-up, the conditions of his detention have raised international alarms.
Severe vision loss: A court-appointed lawyer reported that Khan retains only 15% vision in his right eye after months of ignored medical complaints.
Procedural conflict: While government doctors visited the jail on Sunday, Khan’s party (PTI) has rejected any inspection that excludes his personal physicians and family.
Timeline: Khan has now been incarcerated for over 800 days (since August 2023), facing more than 100 cases he maintains are politically motivated.
The joint statement is signed by a cross-generational panel of national icons who once competed against Khan or idolized his "all-round brilliance."
The captains’ letter emphasizes that while the "stumps are drawn" on their professional rivalries, the respect for Khan as a national leader and sporting titan remains. They have formally requested three interventions from the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif:
Specialized care: Immediate access to qualified medical specialists of Khan’s own choosing.
Dignified detention: Humane conditions in line with international standards, including regular family visits.
Legal transparency: Fair and transparent access to legal processes without "undue delay or hindrance."
Legendary teammate Wasim Akram also added his voice, calling the reports "heartbreaking" and urging the best possible care for his former skipper.
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. This appeal is made in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity.
Excerpt from the Joint Statement
