As many as 14 former international cricket captains from five Test-playing nations have written to the Pakistani government for better treatment of jailed former prime minister (PM) and World Cup winning captain Imran Khan.

As per the details, the cricketing legends sought proper medical treatment and humane conditions for Khan in prison, in a letter that came amid reports that he has lost most of the vision in his right eye.

The letter, a copy of which is available with The Current, was drafted by former Australian captain Greg Chappell and carries the signatures of former Indian captains Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, Australians Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Ian Chappell, Kim Hughes and Belinda Clark; England’s Mike Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Mike Brearley and David Gower alongside West Indies great Clive Lloyd and New Zealand’s John Wright.

“We, the undersigned former captains of our national cricket teams, write with deep concern regarding the reported treatment and incarceration conditions of Imran Khan, the distinguished former Captain of Pakistan and a legendary figure in world cricket. 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,” it read.

“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,” they added.

The letter also recognised Khan’s political and said that he served as prime minister of Pakistan, leading his nation during a challenging period. “Regardless of political perspectives, he holds the honour of having been democratically elected to the highest office in his country.”

“Recent reports concerning his 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. As fellow cricketers who understand the values of fair play, honour, and respect that transcend the boundary rope, 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,” they wrote.

The letter made three specific demands: immediate and ongoing medical attention from specialists of Khan’s own choosing, humane conditions of detention in line with international standards, including regular family visits, and fair and transparent access to legal processes without delay.

“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,” they wrote.