NEW DELHI, February 17, 2026: Indian cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev have joined a group of former international captains in urging improved prison conditions and medical care for jailed former Pakistan captain and ex-prime minister Imran Khan.
The appeal, signed by 14 former captains from around the world, expressed serious concern over reports about Khan’s health, particularly claims regarding deterioration in his eyesight during incarceration. The petition called on Pakistani authorities to ensure immediate medical attention, dignified treatment and unimpeded access to legal processes.
Khan, 73, has been in custody since August 2023 following convictions in multiple cases that he maintains were politically motivated after his removal from office in 2022 through a parliamentary vote of no confidence.
Last week, Khan’s legal counsel informed the Supreme Court of Pakistan that the former cricketer had suffered significant vision loss in his right eye while in prison. A medical board subsequently reported that swelling had subsided following treatment and that his condition had shown improvement.
Despite historically strained relations between India and Pakistan, the Indian cricket icons signed the humanitarian petition, highlighting the enduring respect shared among players beyond national rivalries.
“Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or admired his all-round brilliance and leadership,” the statement read. “Reports concerning his health and prison conditions over the past two and a half years have caused profound concern.”
The appeal emphasized that sporting rivalries end once the match concludes, but mutual respect remains. It described Khan as a global sporting figure who deserved humane and fair treatment consistent with international standards.
Among other signatories were former Australia captains Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Allan Border and Steve Waugh, as well as England’s Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain. Former West Indies skipper Clive Lloyd and New Zealand’s John Wright also endorsed the statement.
The group respectfully urged the Pakistan government to guarantee Khan’s right to adequate healthcare and a fair trial in line with human rights principles.
Imran Khan, who represented Pakistan in 88 Test matches and 175 One Day Internationals between 1971 and 1992, famously led the national team to its only ODI World Cup triumph in 1992.
His son, Kasim Khan, told Reuters that while his father’s immediate health remained the primary concern, broader issues such as due process, fundamental rights and a fair judicial hearing were equally important.
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