In a rare and powerful show of solidarity that transcends national rivalries, 14 former international cricket captains—including Indian legends Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev—issued a joint humanitarian appeal on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The petition calls for the “dignified and fair treatment” of Imran Khan, highlighting grave concerns over his deteriorating health and vision while in custody at Adiala Jail.
Seeing Imran Khan suffer and lose sight in one eye is an emotional meltdown! I hope humanity prevails and suffering is reduced .
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) February 14, 2026
The appeal, organized by former Australian captain Greg Chappell, comes just days after reports emerged that the 1992 World Cup-winning captain has lost significant vision in his right eye due to medical neglect.
The “Cricketing Brotherhood” Petition
The signatories include some of the most respected names in the history of the sport, representing a global front for human rights and sportsmanship:
| Region | Signatories (Former Captains) |
| India | Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev |
| Australia | Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Kim Hughes, Belinda Clark |
| England | Mike Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Mike Brearley, David Gower |
| West Indies | Clive Lloyd |
| New Zealand | John Wright |
Key Messages from the Appeal
The petition emphasizes that while rivalry exists on the pitch, “respect endures” after the stumps are drawn.
“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… Rivalry ends when the stumps are drawn — and respect endures.”
Putting politics aside,our national hero who gave us our greatest glory on the sporting field,cancer hospital helped so many, including my own mother,is suffering a health emergency and requires urgent treatment.I humbly request the related authorities he gets the appropriate…
— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) February 14, 2026
- Immediate Medical Care: Access to independent, qualified specialists for his eye condition.
- Dignified Conditions: Detention standards in line with international human rights norms.
- Family Access: Ensuring unhindered visits from close family members and his personal physician.
Sunil Gavaskar: “Purely Humanitarian”
Speaking to the media, Sunil Gavaskar clarified that the appeal is not a political intervention but a matter of human decency. He recalled his long association with Khan dating back to 1971, stating, “To see the news about his recent health issues due to inadequate treatment made me want to make this appeal on humanitarian grounds. Political differences aside, this is purely a humanitarian concern.”
It is heartbreaking to hear our skipper Imran Khan going through health issues. I sincerely hope the authorities take this seriously and ensure he receives the best possible medical care. Wishing him strength, a speedy recovery, and a full return to good health. possible medical…
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) February 14, 2026
The Impact of the Appeal
- Political Reaction: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party expressed deep gratitude to the global icons, noting that their “moral clarity” underscores the universal nature of human rights.
- Government Stance: The Prime Minister’s Office reportedly told international media on Tuesday that it had not yet “officially received” the captains’ statement, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi continued to dismiss the health reports as “political propaganda.”
- Global Precedent: Analysts suggest this is one of the first times such a high-profile, multi-national group of sporting legends has united to intervene in the human rights treatment of a former head of state.
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The Health Crisis
The appeal follows a court-submitted report by lawyer Salman Safdar, which claimed Imran Khan (73) is suffering from central retinal vein occlusion (a blockage in the eye), leaving him with only 15% vision in his right eye. While a government medical board claimed on Monday that his vision has “improved to 6/9,” the family remains skeptical of any report produced without an independent observer.
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