‘Treat Imran Khan fairly in jail’: Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev among 14 captains write to Pakistan government

Indian great Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev have joined 12 other former captains to express "deep concern" about jailed cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's deteriorating health, urging the Pakistan government to provide him adequate medical attention and dignified conditions in line with international standards.

There have been reports that the 1992 World Cup-winning skipper Imran has lost approximately 85 per cent of vision in his right eye due to medical neglect while in custody at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail.

As many as 14 former captains wrote a letter titled "Appeal by former International Cricket Captains" to the Pakistan government asking for fair treatment for Khan.


In the letter, the signatories said, “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. 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…”



The appeal highlights concerns about Khan’s health during his incarceration of over two years. Recent reports have claimed a deterioration in his eyesight and overall health condition while in jail.

The letter further urges the Pakistan government to ensure humane and dignified conditions of detention in line with international standards, including regular access to family members and fair, transparent legal processes without undue delay.

Among the other signatories are Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd and John Wright.

The appeal states that it has been made “in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity, without prejudice to any legal proceedings.”

In 2023, Khan, the former Pakistan Prime Minister, was sentenced to 14 years in prison in a corruption case.

In the letter, the group of former captains asked for proper medical attention, transparent legal procedures and dignified treatment for the 73-year-old Khan.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan underwent an eye examination at Adiala Jail on Sunday after Supreme Court directed the formation of a medical board to access his condition. The order followed his claim on February 12 that his right eye retained only 15 per cent of the vision. A few days back, the PTI founder's lawyer claimed that Imran Khan has 15% vision left in his right eye.