A rare show of unity from some of cricket’s most respected former leaders has put Imran Khan’s imprisonment and health at the centre of international sporting attention, with 14 former international captains signing a formal appeal to the Pakistan government seeking humane treatment and urgent medical care.
All for IMRAN KHAN this is the beauty of cricket.
#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/wjPZ9jI5d6— Aussies Army🏏🦘 (@AussiesArmy) February 17, 2026
In a joint statement dated 17 February 2026, the group began by declaring, “We, the undersigned former captains of our national cricket teams, write with deep concern regarding the reported treatment and incarceration conditions of Imran Khan, the distinguished former Captain of Pakistan and a legendary figure in world cricket.” The petition, signed by figures including Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Greg Chappell, Allan Border, Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Belinda Clark, Steve Waugh and others, frames the appeal as one rooted in cricket’s shared values rather than political alignment.
Cricketing legacy at the heart of the appeal
At the core of the letter is a reminder of Imran Khan’s stature within the sport. The captains wrote, “Imran Khan’s contributions to the game are 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.”
They reinforced that connection by stating, “Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or grew up idolizing 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 petition also acknowledged his subsequent political career, noting, “Beyond cricket, Imran Khan served as Prime Minister of Pakistan, leading his nation during a challenging period. Regardless of political perspectives, he holds the honour of having been democratically elected to the highest office in his country.”
Health concerns and prison conditions draw global scrutiny
The appeal comes amid mounting reports about Khan’s physical condition during more than two years in custody. The former captains wrote, “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.”
Those concerns have also been echoed domestically. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf described its “profound concern” and highlighted issues “particularly with regard to the serious deterioration of his eyesight” in a statement dated February 12.
Family members have raised alarm over the circumstances of his detention. His son Kasim Khan speaking to The telegraph said, “He’s in a very small cell, which has been described as a death cell because this is where they’ve held people who are on death row,” underscoring the gravity of the claims surrounding his incarceration.
Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have been in jail since August 2023 following his removal from leadership in 2022. He is currently serving a 31-year sentence after a verdict delivered in December 2025 and faces multiple corruption charges.
International concerns and origins of the captains’ appeal
The concerns raised by the former captains have also intersected with warnings from international observers. In December, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture, Alice Jill Edwards, urged the Pakistan government to address reports surrounding Khan’s detention conditions.
She said, “Since his transfer to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on September 26, 2023, Imran Khan has reportedly been held for excessive periods in solitary confinement, confined for 23 hours a day in his cell, with highly restricted access to the outside world. His cell is reportedly under constant camera surveillance.”
Calling for urgent intervention, she added, “Khan’s solitary confinement should be lifted without delay. Not only is it an unlawful measure, extended isolation can bring about very harmful consequences for his physical and mental health.”
Writing in The Times, former England captain Michael Atherton explained that he was one of the 14 former Test captains who signed the humanitarian appeal, noting that the initiative gained momentum through discussions led by Greg Chappell in Australia before expanding into a coordinated international effort.
Specific demands for medical care and legal access
The former captains structured their appeal around concrete requests. Introducing their demands, they wrote, “We respectfully urge the Government of Pakistan to ensure that Imran Khan receives:”
They then called for “Immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing to address his reported health issues.” In addition, they asked for “Humane and dignified conditions of detention in line with international standards, including regular visits by close family members.” The letter also pressed for “Fair and transparent access to legal processes without undue delay or hindrance.”
Framing their intervention within cricket’s ethos, the captains 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.”
They reinforced the broader symbolism of their appeal by stating, “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.” The letter concluded with a direct appeal: “We call on authorities to honour it now by upholding the principles of decency and justice.” It clarified its intent by noting, “This appeal is made in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity, without prejudice to any legal proceedings.”
Sourav Ganguly backs former captains’ move
Support for the petition has extended beyond the original signatories. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly, speaking to reporters, endorsed the initiative and said, “They have done the right thing. I hope his health recovers and he gets the right treatment. He has taken Pakistan to the world map, first as captain of the Pakistan cricket team and then as Prime Minister, so he should be looked after, and I expect that.”
VIDEO | Former India captain Sourav Ganguly backs the decision by former captains of many different countries to appeal for fair treatment of jailed Pakistan cricketer Imran Khan through a letter to the Pakistan government.
He says, “They have done the right thing. I hope his… pic.twitter.com/ovhbr5ye4U
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 17, 2026
Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin also expressed his concern publicly, writing on X, “Deeply saddened to hear about Imran bhai. Cricket has given us many shared moments, and as a fellow sportsman who has shared the platform and learned from him, I sincerely appeal that he be treated with dignity. Praying for his good health and strength for his family. @ImranKhanPTI #ImranKhanHealthEmergency,” adding another prominent voice from the cricket fraternity to the appeal.
Deeply saddened to hear about Imran bhai. Cricket has given us many shared moments, and as a fellow sportsman who has shared the platform and learned from him, I sincerely appeal that he be treated with dignity. Praying for his good health and strength for his family.…
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) February 17, 2026
The coordinated appeal from 14 former international captains places cricket’s collective voice behind calls for medical care, legal transparency and humane detention standards, turning a national legal matter into an issue resonating across the global cricket community.
Full list of former captains who signed the appeal
The appeal was approved and signed by the following former international captains:
Michael Atherton OBE
Allan Border AO, Australian of the Year 1989
Michael Brearley OBE
Greg Chappell AO MBE
Ian Chappell
Belinda Clark AO
Padma Bhushan Sunil Gavaskar
David Gower OBE
Kim Hughes
Nasser Hussain OBE
Sir Clive Lloyd CBE
Padma Bhushan Kapil Dev Nikhanj
Stephen Waugh AO, Australian of the Year 2004
John Wright MBE
