Indian cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev have joined 12 other former international captains in signing a humanitarian petition urging the Pakistani government to ensure better treatment and medical care for jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/psx-plunges-nearly-4-6682-points-on-geopolitical-fears-and-oil-spike/
The appeal, reported by Reuters on February 17, 2026, expresses “deep concern” over Khan’s deteriorating health, particularly the reported loss of vision in his right eye during his more than two-year imprisonment.
Khan, aged 73 and a celebrated 1992 World Cup-winning captain, has been detained since August 2023 following convictions he claims are politically motivated after his 2022 ouster.
Petition Details and Signatories
The open letter, addressed to the Pakistan government, describes Khan as “one of the finest all-rounders” and a “global sporting icon.” It highlights shared cricketing history, stating: “Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or grew up idolizing his all-round brilliance, charisma, and competitive spirit.”
The signatories emphasize values of fair play and respect that “transcend the boundary rope,” urging “immediate and adequate medical attention, dignified treatment, and unhindered access to legal processes.”
Other notable signatories include Australians Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Belinda Clark, and Kim Hughes; Englishmen Mike Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Mike Brearley, and David Gower; West Indies’ Clive Lloyd; and New Zealand’s John Wright.
Health Context and Broader Appeal
Recent court reports noted Khan’s vision issues, though a medical board on February 16, 2026, indicated some improvement after treatment. The petition avoids political commentary, focusing on humanitarian grounds and Khan’s legacy as a cricketer who “embodied that spirit throughout his career.”
This rare cross-border initiative from Indian icons amid strained India-Pakistan ties—including recent military tensions—highlights cricket’s potential as a bridge for diplomacy and shared respect.