In a rare and powerful display of cross-border solidarity, 14 legendary international cricket captains, including Indian icons Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Devhas issued a joint appeal to the Government of Pakistan on February 17, 2026.
Letter addressed to the Prime Minister Shahbaz SharifExpresses ‘deep concern’ over deteriorating health of 1992 World Cup-winning captain imran khanWho is in jail since 2023. This extraordinary intervention by the global cricket fraternity highlights the serious medical crisis faced by the 73-year-old, especially the reports of significant vision loss. Putting aside political and national rivalries, these sporting giants have demanded basic human dignity and special care for the man they describe as a “global sporting icon”.
14 veterans demand respect for Pakistan’s iconic captain Imran Khan
Appeal, led by former Australian captain greg chappellServes as a moral plea to the “who’s who” of cricket history, which includes names such as Clive Lloyd, Alan Border And steve waugh. The signatories emphasized that although their competitive battle on the field was fierce, respect for a colleague of Khan’s stature in times of personal crisis should cross the line.
The letter stated: “As fellow cricketers who understand the values of fair play, honor and respect beyond the boundary lines, we believe that a person of the stature of Imran Khan deserves the same respect and basic human consideration as a former national leader.”
With celebrities like Gavaskar and Kapil Dev involved, the petition has considerable significance in the subcontinent, reminding authorities that the eyes of the world are on the treatment of the man who led Pakistan to its biggest sporting victory. The captains collectively urged the government to respect the spirit of the game: “Cricket has long been a bridge between countries. Our shared history on the field reminds us that when the stumps are pulled down, rivalries end and respect continues.”
Imran Khan’s shocking medical report from Adiala jail
The catalyst for this high-profile intervention was a series of worrying reports concerning Khan’s health within Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, most notably claims that he had lost 85% of the vision in his right eye. According to a report submitted to the Supreme Court by the court-appointed lawyer on February 10, 2026, the former Prime Minister is suffering from persistent blurred vision and retina-related problems, which were allegedly ignored by the jail authorities for months.
The 14 captains have specifically demanded: “Prompt, adequate and continuing medical assistance from qualified specialists of their choosing to address their reported health issues.” While a government medical board has recently claimed a slight improvement in his vision to 6/9 with glasses, his family and the PTI party remain skeptical, calling the examinations conducted by the state without the presence of private physicians as “malicious” and “unacceptable”. The captains’ letter outlines the urgency, stating: “Recent reports concerning his health, particularly the alarming deterioration of his vision while in custody, have caused us deep concern.”
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Complete list of legendary signees: From Kapil Dev to Clive Lloyd
The petition represents an unprecedented collective effort, uniting the captains of India, Australia, England, West Indies and New Zealand in a singular humanitarian cause. Beyond immediate health concerns, the letter advocates “Humane and dignified conditions of detention in line with international standards, including regular visitation of close family members and fair and transparent access to legal processes.”
The list of signatories is testament to Khan’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest all-rounders the game has ever seen: Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Sir Clive Lloyd, Stephen Waugh And john wrightWith Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev. Their joint statement ends with a powerful reminder of Khan’s 1992 legacy: “He led Pakistan to the historic 1992 Cricket World Cup win, a victory based on skill, resilience, leadership and sportsmanship that inspired generations across the borders.”
🚨 14 former international captains including Greg Chappell, Sunil Gavaskar and Clive Lloyd have formally requested the Pakistan government to ensure that Imran Khan gets the necessary medical treatment. pic.twitter.com/y7oO10DWGd
– Ihtishamm ul Haq (@iihtishamm) 17 February 2026
