Gavaskar, Kapil Dev Among 14 Cricket Legends Who Write To Pakistan Government Seeking Fair Treatment For Jailed Imran Khan
In a significant show of solidarity that cuts across borders and generations, fourteen legendary cricket captains including India’s Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev have jointly written to the Pakistan government, appealing for fair and humane treatment of former Pakistan Prime Minister and World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan, who has been behind bars for over 800 days.
The letter comes amid growing concern over Imran Khan’s deteriorating health, with recent reports indicating that he has lost 85% of the vision in his right eye. Authorities have since moved him to a hospital for immediate medical attention.
A Fervent Appeal Across Borders
The joint statement, reported by multiple publications, carries over 12 signatories and includes Australia’s Greg Chappell himself a cricketing great and former India head coach. In their one-page appeal, the signatories urged the Pakistan government to ensure that Imran Khan receives:
- Immediate, adequate, and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing to address his 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.
The other legendary names who signed the letter include Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Sir Clive Lloyd, Steve Waugh, and John Wright many of whom either played against Imran Khan or shared a platform with him at various points during their careers.
“Profound Concern” Over Health and Custody Conditions
The signatories expressed deep worry over the circumstances of Imran’s imprisonment, particularly the reported vision loss. “Recent reports concerning his health particularly the alarming deterioration of his vision while in custody and the conditions of his imprisonment over the past two and a half years have caused us profound concern,” the statement read.
Drawing on cricket’s core values, the letter added: “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.”
Recognising Imran’s Legacy On and Off the Field
The letter paid tribute to Imran Khan’s cricketing achievements, noting that his contributions to the game remain universally admired. “As captain, he led Pakistan to their historic 1992 Cricket World Cup victory a triumph built on skill, resilience, leadership, and sportsmanship that inspired generations across borders,” it read.
“Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or grew up idolising his all-round brilliance, charisma, and competitive spirit. He remains one of the finest all-rounders and captains the sport has ever seen, earning respect from players, fans, and administrators alike,” the signatories wrote.
The letter also acknowledged Imran Khan’s political career, noting that he went on to serve as Pakistan’s Prime Minister after his cricketing days. “Regardless of political perspectives, he holds the honour of having been democratically elected to the highest office in his country,” the statement noted, urging authorities to uphold the principles of decency and justice in his treatment.
Cricket as a Bridge Between Nations
Concluding on a note of sportsmanship and shared humanity, the letter invoked the spirit that cricket has long stood for. “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. Imran Khan embodied that spirit throughout his career. We call on authorities to honour it now by upholding the principles of decency and justice. This appeal is made in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity, without prejudice to any legal proceedings.”