Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev Among 21 Former International Cricket Captains Urge Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif for 'Humane Treatment' of Imran Khan

In a significant move that underscores the global cricketing fraternity's solidarity, a powerful group of 21 former international cricket captains, featuring Indian icons Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, has penned an open letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The letter, issued today, August 23, 2026, renews their fervent appeal for the humane treatment and adequate medical care of former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister, Imran Khan, who has been in custody for three years. Imran Khan Returns to Adiala Jail Following SC-Ordered Hospital Checkup.

This appeal comes six months after an initial plea by 14 former captains, with seven more cricketing legends now joining the chorus of concern. The cricketers' latest intervention follows reports suggesting a lack of full compliance with a Pakistan Supreme Court directive concerning Khan's medical examination.

Renewed Concerns Over Khan's Medical Care

The Supreme Court had ordered that Imran Khan, aged 73, be transferred to a hospital for examination by a medical board that was to include his personal physicians and his sister, Dr. Uzma Khan. Additionally, the court reinstated weekly family visits. However, according to the letter, Khan's hospital stay reportedly lasted only a few hours, during which he was examined by a state-appointed team rather than the court-directed medical board. He was subsequently declared “medically fit” and returned to Adiala Jail before the court-directed board could complete its assessment.

'Dear Prime Minister, six months ago, fourteen former international cricket captains wrote to you and the Pakistani government appealing for humane treatment and proper medical care for Imran Khan,' the 21 cricketers wrote in their letter. 'We wrote then not as politicians, but as former colleagues and rivals who share a bond forged on the cricket field, one that transcends the borders and disputes that too often divide countries. We write again now, joined by seven further former captains, because of what has reportedly just occurred.'

Prominent Signatories

The expanded group of signatories represents nine cricketing nations. Among the prominent names are Indian legends Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and Dilip Vengsarkar. They are joined by former international captains:Adam Gilchrist, Alex Blackwell, Allan Border, Alastair Cook, Andrew Strauss, Arjuna Ranatunga, Belinda Clark, Clive Lloyd, David Gower, Dilip Vengsarkar, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, John Wright, Kapil Dev, Kim Hughes, Lee Germon, Michael Atherton, Michael Brearley, Nasser Hussain, Stephen Waugh, Sunil Gavaskar. Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev Among 14 Former Cricket Captains Who Appeal to Pakistan Government for Imran Khan's Better Prison Treatment.

Khan, who famously led Pakistan to their only World Cup title in 1992, has been in custody since August 2023, facing a series of legal charges that he and his party deny. His party and lawyers have consistently raised concerns about his health, with reports earlier this year highlighting a significant deterioration in the vision of his right eye. While Khan was briefly moved to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad on August 21, 2026, following a Supreme Court order for treatment, the collective appeal suggests ongoing concerns regarding the nature and thoroughness of his medical care.

The cricketers emphasize that their appeal is rooted in their shared history and profound respect for Khan's immense contributions to the sport, urging the Pakistani government to uphold principles of dignity and basic human consideration for a former colleague and national hero.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 23, 2026 06:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).