As reported by The Age, the captains include some of cricket’s most famous names, most of whom played against Imran during their careers. Greg Chappell drafted the petition, which has been signed by Ian Chappell, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Clive Lloyd, Allan Border, Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Michael Brearley, David Gower, Steve Waugh, John Wright, Kim Hughes and Belinda Clark.
“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,” the letter says.
“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.
“Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or grew up idolising 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.”
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
Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar were among the voices to urge proper medical treatment for Imran last week, with former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja urging Pakistan’s cricketers to raise their voices in support.
“Beyond cricket, Imran Khan served as Prime Minister of Pakistan, leading his nation during a challenging period,” the letter says. “Regardless of political perspectives, he holds the honour of having been democratically elected to the highest office in his country.
“We respectfully urge the Government of Pakistan to ensure that Imran Khan receives immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing to address his reported health issues, humane and dignified conditions of detention in line with international standards, including regular visits by close family members, and fair and transparent access to legal processes without undue delay or hindrance.”
Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the International Federation of Human Rights are among the organisations to have expressed concern over the fairness of his trial and the state of his conditions in prison. His sons have said Imran remains in a “death cell” where he has been subjected to psychological torture. The Pakistan government has repeatedly denied all such claims.
“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.
“We call on authorities to honour it now by upholding the principles of decency and justice. This appeal is made in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity, without prejudice to any legal proceedings.”
Captains list
Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell Belinda Clark, Sunil Gavaskar, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Sir Clive Lloyd, Kapil Dev, Stephen Waugh, John Wright
