A coalition of 21 former international cricket captains, among them Indian legends Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, issued an urgent appeal to Pakistan’s prime minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday, calling for humane treatment and immediate medical attention for former prime minister Imran Khan, who remains incarcerated. The appeal, circulated via a joint statement and shared on social media, highlighted concerns over Khan’s deteriorating health and the conditions of his detention, urging the Pakistani authorities to grant him access to specialist care and to observe basic human‑rights standards.
Australian Test captain Pat Cummins, who leads the national side in the ongoing Ashes series, publicly endorsed the plea in a short video posted on his verified Instagram account. Cummins said, "Cricket is a game that unites us across borders, and we cannot turn a blind eye when any of our own are suffering. I stand with my fellow former captains in urging the Pakistani government to act compassionately." His endorsement adds a high‑profile voice from outside South Asia, underscoring the global cricket community’s concern over the matter.
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Imran Khan, a former cricket star turned politician, has been behind bars since May 2023 on corruption‑related charges. His supporters claim he has been denied adequate medical facilities, while authorities maintain that his health is being monitored. The joint plea follows earlier statements by former captains who warned that neglecting Khan’s health could tarnish Pakistan’s international image, especially ahead of the upcoming ICC World Cup where the nation hopes to showcase its hospitality and sporting spirit.
