Twenty-one former international cricket captains have appealed the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure proper medical treatment and humane care for former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan.
The appeal was made in a letter dated August 23, as concerns continue over Khan’s health while he remains in custody. The former captains said their request was based on their shared connection with Khan through cricket rather than political considerations.
The group includes well-known cricket figures such as Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Clive Lloyd, Michael Atherton, David Gower and Steve Waugh. Seven additional former captains joined the latest appeal after an earlier letter was sent around six months ago by 14 former international captains.
The former players have asked the government to allow the medical board directed by the Supreme Court to complete an independent assessment of Khan’s health. They specifically highlighted reports of vision problems involving his right eye and called for his personal doctors to be allowed to take part in the assessment.
They also called for weekly family visits to continue without interruption and urged authorities to provide any treatment recommended by the medical board.
The appeal follows recent developments surrounding Khan’s medical examination. According to reports, he was taken to a hospital for examination but was later returned to Adiala Jail after a short stay. His family and legal team have questioned whether the process fully followed the Supreme Court’s directions.
The former captains said they were not seeking to interfere in Pakistan’s domestic legal matters. Instead, they stressed that their concern was about ensuring appropriate medical care, dignity and compliance with court-directed procedures.
Imran Khan, who led Pakistan to its historic 1992 Cricket World Cup victory, remains one of the country’s most prominent sporting figures. The intervention by former international captains has now brought renewed international attention to his health and treatment in custody.
