Former international cricket captains urge fair treatment for Imran Khan

A group of prominent former international cricket captains has issued a joint appeal expressing deep concern over the reported treatment and incarceration conditions of former Pakistan captain and ex-prime minister Imran Khan.

In a statement dated February 17, the undersigned cricketers highlighted Khan’s towering contribution to the game, recalling his leadership in guiding Pakistan to its historic 1992 Cricket World Cup triumph. They described the victory as a defining moment built on “skill, resilience, leadership, and sportsmanship” that inspired generations across borders.

The appeal notes that many of the signatories either competed against Khan, shared the field with him, or grew up admiring his all-round brilliance and competitive spirit. It describes him as one of the finest all-rounders and captains the sport has produced, respected by players, fans, and administrators alike.

Beyond cricket, the statement acknowledges Khan’s tenure as Prime Minister of Pakistan, noting that he was democratically elected to the country’s highest office. While refraining from political commentary, the former captains expressed concern over recent reports regarding his health—particularly an alleged deterioration in his vision while in custody—and the overall conditions of his imprisonment over the past two and a half years.

“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,” the statement read.

The group has urged the Government of Pakistan to ensure:

• Immediate, adequate, and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing to address reported health issues.

• Humane and dignified conditions of detention in line with international standards, including regular visits by close family members.

• Fair and transparent access to legal processes without undue delay or hindrance.

Emphasizing cricket’s historic role as a bridge between nations, the former captains said their appeal was made “in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity, without prejudice to any legal proceedings.”

The statement has been approved by a distinguished list of former captains and cricketing figures, including Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Sunil Gavaskar, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Kapil Dev, Stephen Waugh and John Wright.

The appeal underscores the enduring respect Khan commands within the international cricket community, even as legal proceedings continue in Pakistan.