Cricket legends unite for Imran Khan’s medical rights.

Twenty-One former captains urge Pakistan PM to uphold Supreme Courtorders on Khan’s health care.

A coalition of 21 former international cricket captains, including Indian icons Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, has appealed to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure proper medical treatment for former Pakistan captain and ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan. The renewed request highlights concern over Khan’s health and calls for adherence to Supreme Court directives regarding his medical examination and family visits.

The appeal, issued on August 23, follows an earlier letter signed by 14 captains six months ago. This time, seven additional leaders have joined, reflecting growing solidarity across cricketing nations. The signatories emphasized that their intervention stems from shared sporting ties with Khan, not political motives, underscoring the respect he commands within the cricketing fraternity.

Central to their concerns is the recent handling of Khan’s medical evaluation. Although Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered his transfer to a hospital for assessment by a board including his personal doctors and sister Dr. Uzma Khan, the process was cut short. Khan was examined briefly by a state-appointed team, declared fit, and returned to Adiala Jail before the court-mandated board could complete its work. His family and legal team argue this undermines the Court’s ruling.

The captains outlined three clear demands:

1. The Supreme Court-directed medical board must be allowed to conduct a full, independent health assessment, particularly regarding Khan’s reported vision loss.
2. Weekly family visits, reinstated by the Court, should proceed without administrative delays.
3. Any treatment recommended by the medical board must be provided promptly.

The letter stressed that these requests are not political interference but a call for basic decency and respect for judicial orders. “Whatever the legal and political arguments surrounding his case, ensuring a court-ordered medical process is completed is not controversial. It is a fair expectation every cricketing nation would recognize,” the captains wrote.

Among the signatories are prominent names from England (Michael Atherton, David Gower, Alastair Cook, Andrew Strauss), Australia (Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Steve Waugh), West Indies (Clive Lloyd), Sri Lanka (Arjuna Ranatunga), and New Zealand (John Wright). Their collective voice reflects the global cricket community’s concern for Khan’s well-being.

The appeal concludes with a plea for dignity and swift resolution, reminding Pakistan’s leadership that the matter transcends politics and is rooted in humanity and respect for a fellow sportsman.