A group of former international cricket captains has issued a humanitarian appeal for jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. They expressed concern over his prison treatment and deteriorating health, particularly vision loss in his right eye. The statement urges Pakistan to ensure proper medical care and dignified conditions for the 73-year-old leader.
The petition, led by former Australian captain Greg Chappell, was signed by cricket legends including India’s Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, Australia’s Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Belinda Clark, England’s Mike Atherton, and West Indies’ Clive Lloyd. They highlighted Imran’s cricketing achievements and called for respect, fair treatment, and legal access for the former premier.
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14 Former International Cricket Captains, including Padma Bhushan Sunil Gavaskar, Padma Bhushan Kapil Dev, Greg Chappell, Stephen Waugh, write to the Government of Pakistan regarding the reported condition of Imran Khan, former Prime Minister and former Captain of the Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/X0gmL2nE28
— ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2026
Imran Khan has been in custody since August 2023, convicted in multiple cases he claims are politically motivated following his 2022 ouster. His lawyer, Salman Safdar, told Pakistan’s Supreme Court that Imran lost significant vision while in jail, although a medical board noted recent improvements in his condition.
The petition emphasizes Imran’s stature as a global sporting icon and national leader, noting the values of fair play and honour that transcend politics. It urges the government to provide immediate medical attention and ensure humane prison conditions for him. Former Pakistan cricketers Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar also voiced concern over his health publicly.
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پاکستان تحریک انصاف کا عمران خان کیلئے عالمی کرکٹرز کی حمایت میں اپیل کرنے پر شکریہ کا پیغام:
پاکستان تحریک انصاف دنیا بھر کے ان تمام مایہ ناز اور سابق انٹرنیشنل کرکٹرز کا تہہ دل سے شکریہ ادا کرتی ہے جنہوں نے پاکستان کے سابق وزیراعظم عمران خان کے ساتھ ہونے والی ناانصافیوں اور…
— PTI (@PTIofficial) February 17, 2026
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party thanked the international cricketers for supporting Imran and encouraged global players to speak against the alleged injustices. The campaign highlights growing international attention on Imran’s detention and his ongoing need for proper care.