Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and 19 other former international cricket captains have renewed their call to Pakistan’s Prime Minister for humane medical treatment of former prime minister Imran Khan, urging compliance with Supreme Court orders.

  • 21 ex‑captains request an independent medical board to assess Imran Khan’s health.
  • Demand uninterrupted weekly family visits as ordered by the court.
  • Insist on immediate provision of any recommended treatment.

Background

On August 23, a coalition of former cricket leaders—including Indian legends Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev—addressed a letter to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The letter urges the government to ensure "humane treatment and proper medical care" for 73‑year‑old former prime minister and ex‑cricket captain Imran Khan, who has been in custody for over three years.

Legal Context and Court Orders

The Pakistan Supreme Court ordered that Khan be transferred to a hospital for examination by a medical board comprising his personal physicians and his sister, Dr. Uzma Khan. The court also reinstated weekly family visits.

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According to reports, Khan’s hospital stay lasted only a few hours, during which a state‑appointed team declared him “medically fit” and sent him back to Adiala Jail—bypassing the court‑mandated board.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the involvement of former sports icons adds a neutral, humanitarian dimension to a politically charged issue, potentially pressuring Pakistani authorities to adhere to international norms of prisoner health rights.

"Cricket has historically stood for fairness; this appeal reasserts that principle on a human‑rights stage," said an international human‑rights expert.

Three Specific Demands

First, allow the Supreme Court‑directed medical board, including Khan’s own doctors, to conduct a full and independent health assessment, especially regarding reported vision loss in his right eye. Second, honour the weekly family visits without administrative delays. Third, provide any treatment recommended by the board without delay.

Did You Know?: Imran Khan underwent a similar medical board review in 2018 when he travelled abroad for health reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is there evidence that Imran Khan suffers from a serious medical condition?

Answer: Court filings mention possible loss of vision in his right eye, but no definitive diagnosis has been released.

Question 2: How could this appeal affect Pakistan’s political landscape?

Answer: Compliance could improve Pakistan’s international image, while continued neglect may invite further diplomatic criticism.