New Delhi: Fourteen former international cricket captains including Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar have voiced serious concern about the health of jailed ex-Pakistan Prime Minister and former skipper Imran Khan. In an open letter, they have appealed to the Pakistan government to provide “immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists” to Khan and ensure “humane and dignified conditions of detention in line with international standards”.“Recent reports concerning his [Imran Khan’s] health – particularly the alarming deterioration of his vision while in custody – and the conditions of his imprisonment over the past two and a half years have caused us profound concern,” the letter said.The intervention follows claims by Khan’s family and lawyer that he has lost 85% of sight in his right eye due to an untreated condition while in prison. Moreover, the allegations of inadequate medical care provided to Khan in Pakistan’s Adiala Jail have triggered anxiety within the country and among members of the international cricket fraternity.The signatories of the letter include Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Gavaskar, Dev, Clive Lloyd, Allan Border, Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Michael Brearley, David Gower, Steve Waugh, John Wright, Kim Hughes and Belinda Clark.“Imran Khan’s contributions to the game are universally admired. As captain, he led Pakistan to their historic 1992 Cricket World Cup victory – a triumph built on skill, resilience, leadership, and sportsmanship that inspired generations across borders,” the cricketers mentioned.They added: “Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or grew up idolising his all-round brilliance, charisma, and competitive spirit. He remains one of the finest all-rounders and captains the sport has ever seen, earning respect from players, fans, and administrators alike.”Former Pakistan cricketers Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar have also called for him to receive appropriate medical care. Ex-India cricketer Ajay Jadeja had urged Pakistani players to speak out in his support.I have seen many Indians voicing support for Imran Khan, but the Pakistani cricketers who played with him & current Pakistani cricketers are silent when he needs their supportThis shows the fear of current ruling party and Pakistani military who runs the country on their own pic.twitter.com/qMCuVSqomY— Ajay Jadeja (@AjayJadeja171) February 13, 2026Khan, who headed Pakistan’s government from 2018 to 2022, is serving multiple prison terms – of 10, 14 and 17 years – on the charges of corruption, inciting violence, sedition, among others. He and his supporters describe the cases as politically driven. Before the 2024 general elections in Pakistan, he was handed an additional seven-year term related to his marriage. That ruling drew widespread criticism and was later overturned.“Beyond cricket, Imran Khan served as Prime Minister of Pakistan, leading his nation during a challenging period,” the letter stated. “Regardless of political perspectives, he holds the honour of having been democratically elected to the highest office in his country.“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, humane and dignified conditions of detention in line with international standards, including regular visits by close family members. Fair and transparent access to legal processes without undue delay or hindrance,” it added.Rights groups including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the International Federation of Human Rights have previously questioned the fairness of proceedings against Khan and raised concerns about his treatment in custody. His sons, Sulaiman Isa Khan and Kasim Khan, have claimed that he is being held in a “death cell” and subjected to psychological torture, allegations the Pakistani government has consistently rejected.“Cricket has long been a bridge between nations. Our shared history on the field reminds us that rivalry ends when the stumps are drawn – and respect endures. Imran Khan embodied that spirit throughout his career. We call on authorities to honour it now by upholding the principles of decency and justice. This appeal is made in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity, without prejudice to any legal proceedings,” the letter concluded.As per reports, Khan’s sons, who live in London are seeking permission from the authorities to visit their father in jail.