Former England captains Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, David Gower and Mike Brearley have joined leading figures from across world cricket in calling on the Pakistani government to treat the imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan with “decency and justice”.
An open letter signed by the quartet, along with 10 other former international captains including Allan Border, Steve Waugh and Sunil Gavaskar, has raised concerns over the 73 year old’s incarceration. Khan, one of the finest cricketers of his generation before entering politics, served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 to 2022 before receiving a series of lengthy prison sentences following his fall from power.
The letter, seen by the Press Association, highlights worries about his health and conditions in custody. It states: “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,”
It continues: “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.”
The signatories urge immediate action in three areas: appropriate medical care from specialists, humane detention in line with international standards and transparent access to due legal process. The letter adds: “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.”
Other signatories include Ian Chappell, Greg Chappell, Belinda Clark, Clive Lloyd, Kim Hughes, Kapil Dev and John Wright.