Former Australian Captains Advocate for Imran Khan's Health Amid Imprisonment

Seven former Australian cricket captains have united to advocate for the health of Imran Khan, the former Pakistan Prime Minister currently imprisoned. Their humanitarian appeal, directed to Australia's Foreign Minister, emphasizes the need for basic human rights and medical care for Khan. The letter, signed by cricket legends, highlights their concerns without taking a political stance. As support for Khan grows internationally, his sons have also voiced alarming concerns about his health. This situation has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of political prisoners and the importance of humane treatment, regardless of political affiliations. The cricket community continues to rally for Khan's dignity and well-being.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 15, 2026, 13:20 IST

Humanitarian Appeal for Imran Khan

File image of Pakistan Former captain and PM Imran Khan(Photo: X)

New Delhi, Sep 15: A group of seven former Australian cricket captains has reached out to Foreign Minister Penny Wong, making a humanitarian plea regarding the imprisonment of former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The letter, which includes signatures from notable figures such as Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Kim Hughes, Mark Taylor, and Steve Waugh, emphasizes that they are speaking out not as political figures but as concerned former captains.

According to Cricinfo, the letter clarifies that the group does not take a stance on the legal or political issues surrounding Mr. Khan, labeling it a domestic matter for Pakistan. However, they expressed their worries about the health of any individual in detention, framing it as a fundamental humanitarian concern, irrespective of political affiliations.

Recently, Imran Khan's sons voiced their worries about their father's well-being during an interview with Sky Sports amid the England-Pakistan series, where the Pakistan Cricket Board considered withdrawing from the Lord's Test but ultimately continued, suffering a significant defeat.

"It’s very, very clear what they’re doing, which is they’re just blatantly trying to kill him in there," stated Imran's son, Sulaiman Isa Khan. "They just want to keep him in there as long as possible and hopefully just silence him."

This letter is part of a growing movement of support for Imran Khan from cricket leaders globally. Previously, cricket legend Greg Chappell and current Australian Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins have publicly supported Khan, advocating for better treatment during his incarceration.

A petition initiated by Chappell, addressed to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has garnered signatures from cricket icons like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and Dilip Vengsarkar, urging Pakistani authorities to allow family visits and independent medical evaluations for Khan.

"Adding my support here to GC and the other former international captains. I hope the court-ordered medical assessment be allowed to run its course and that family visits continue. I hope Imran Khan is treated with the dignity anyone deserves," Cummins expressed on his X account.

The petition has been endorsed by 21 former international captains, including Sir Alastair Cook, Michael Atherton, Steve Waugh, Adam Gilchrist, and Nasser Hussain, who have raised serious concerns regarding Khan's health, particularly reports of significant vision loss in his right eye after spending over three years in custody.

"Imran Khan is 73 years old and has now spent more than three years in custody. Regardless of the legal and political discussions surrounding his case, ensuring that a court-ordered medical process is completed should not be a controversial request," the letter concluded.