New Delhi, Feb 17: Former Pakistan Prime Minister and 1992 World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan received backing from the global cricket community on Tuesday, as 14 former international captains signed a petition urging the Pakistan government and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure proper medical care for the 73-year-old, who is currently in jail. The letter comes amid reports of his deteriorating health.
The petition, accessed by Hindustan Times Digital, calls on the Pakistan government to guarantee that Imran receives adequate medical treatment while in custody. Addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the letter is co-signed by cricket legends including Greg Chappell, Belinda Clark, Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Ian Chappell, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Clive Lloyd, Steve Waugh, and John Wright.
Several former Pakistan cricketers, including Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shahid Afridi, had last week also urged authorities via social media to provide proper medical attention for Imran. However, none of the other former Pakistan captains have signed this petition.
Reports suggest that Imran has lost 85% of vision in his right eye. Supporters and family members have also claimed they were denied visitation rights in jail. “He’s in a very small cell, described as a ‘death cell’ because this is where people on death row have been held,” his son Sulaiman Khan said in December 2025.
Imran and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have been in jail since August 2023, following his ouster from Pakistan’s leadership in 2022. The former Pakistan captain faces multiple corruption charges and is currently serving a 31-year sentence after the latest verdict in December 2025.
Full Petition Text Highlights
The letter from the 14 former captains expresses deep concern over Imran Khan’s treatment and imprisonment conditions, calling him a “distinguished former captain of Pakistan and a legendary figure in world cricket.” It notes his historic leadership in Pakistan’s 1992 Cricket World Cup win and emphasizes the respect he commands globally both as a cricketer and a former national leader.
The petition urges the Pakistan government to ensure:
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Immediate and adequate medical care from qualified specialists of his choice.
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Humane and dignified detention conditions, including regular visits from family.
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Fair and transparent access to legal processes without undue delays.
The signatories underline that cricket has long served as a bridge between nations, and respect for Imran’s contributions on and off the field should now be upheld by authorities, regardless of ongoing legal proceedings. (Agency)
