‘Imran Khan deserves to be treated with dignity and basic human consideration’: former captains

The worldwide cricketing fraternity has rallied round Imran Khan, the previous Pakistan Prime Minister and cricket captain. By means of a joint-statement issued by legends starting from Sunil Gavaskar to Greg Chappell, World Cup profitable captains like Kapil Dev, Clive Lloyd and Steve Waugh, and champion gamers like Michael Atherton and Belinda Clark, instant and satisfactory medical help was hunted for the ailing Pakistan legend, who’s struggling in jail now.

Full assertion

17 February 2026

We, the undersigned former captains of our nationwide cricket groups, write with deep concern concerning the reported therapy and incarceration situations of Imran Khan, the distinguished former captain of Pakistan and a legendary determine in world cricket.

Imran Khan’s contributions to the sport are universally admired. As captain, he led Pakistan to their historic 1992 Cricket World Cup victory – a triumph constructed on ability, resilience, management, and sportsmanship that impressed generations throughout borders.

Many people competed in opposition to him, shared the sphere with him, or grew up idolising his all-round brilliance, charisma, and aggressive spirit. He stays one of many best all-rounders and captains the game has ever seen, incomes respect from gamers, followers, and directors alike.

Past cricket, Imran Khan served as Prime Minister of Pakistan, main his nation throughout a difficult interval. No matter political views, he holds the honour of getting been democratically elected to the very best workplace in his nation. Current reviews regarding his well being – notably the alarming deterioration of his imaginative and prescient whereas in custody – and the situations of his imprisonment over the previous two and a half years have brought on us profound concern.

As fellow cricketers who perceive the values of honest play, honour, and respect that transcend the boundary rope, we imagine that an individual of Imran Khan’s stature deserves to be handled with the dignity and primary human consideration befitting a former nationwide chief and a world sporting icon.

We respectfully urge the Authorities of Pakistan to make sure that Imran Khan receives: Instant, satisfactory and ongoing medical consideration from certified specialists of his selecting to handle his reported well being points. Humane and dignified situations of detention in keeping with worldwide requirements, together with common visits by shut relations. Truthful and clear entry to authorized processes with out undue delay or hindrance.

Cricket has lengthy been a bridge between nations. Our shared historical past on the sphere reminds us that rivalry ends when the stumps are drawn—and respect endures. Imran Khan embodied that spirit all through his profession. We name on authorities to honour it now by upholding the ideas of decency and justice. This attraction is made within the spirit of sportsmanship and customary humanity, with out prejudice to any authorized proceedings.

Signed: Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Sunil Gavaskar, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Kapil Dev, Steve Waugh and John Wright.