Former cricket legends appeal to Pakistan over Imran Khan health care

ISLAMABAD: A group of 21 former international cricket captains has appealed to Pakistan’s government to ensure proper medical treatment for jailed former prime minister and ex-Pakistan captain Imran Khan.

The former cricketers, including Indian legends Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, issued the appeal in a letter on Sunday, expressing concern over Khan’s health and asking authorities to follow through on medical measures ordered by the country’s Supreme Court.

Khan, 73, has remained in jail since 2023 and was sentenced late last year, along with his wife, to 17 years in a corruption case. Both have denied the charges.

The former Pakistan captain was transferred back to prison on Friday, only hours after being taken to hospital for court-ordered medical examinations.

Earlier in the week, the Supreme Court had directed that Khan be taken to Islamabad’s private Shifa International Hospital after his lawyers raised concerns about his health and sought medical attention.

The former captains’ latest statement follows an earlier appeal issued in February concerning Khan’s medical treatment. Their new letter sets out three specific requests aimed at ensuring that the former cricketer receives timely and independent care.

First, the signatories called for the medical board established under the Supreme Court’s direction to be allowed to complete a full and independent assessment of Khan’s condition. They placed particular emphasis on reports that he has suffered a loss of vision in his right eye.

The former players also called for Khan’s weekly family visits, which had been ordered by the court, to be restored and conducted without interruption or administrative delays.

Their third request was that any treatment recommended following the medical assessment should be provided without delay.

The appeal brought together prominent names from several generations of international cricket. Indian signatories included Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Dilip Vengsarkar, while England was represented by former captains Michael Atherton, Michael Brearley, Nasser Hussain, Andrew Strauss and David Gower.

Former Australian captains Allan Border, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Adam Gilchrist, Steve Waugh and Kim Hughes also signed the statement. West Indies great Clive Lloyd and former New Zealand captain John Wright were among the other prominent signatories.

The intervention highlights the enduring international cricket connections surrounding Khan, who remains one of Pakistan’s most celebrated sporting figures.

The former all-rounder captained Pakistan to its historic 1992 World Cup triumph before entering politics and eventually becoming prime minister.

The former captains’ appeal now puts renewed focus on Khan’s health, access to medical care and compliance with court-ordered arrangements.