International cricket veterans demand better medical care for Imran Khan

New Delhi, 15 September – A panel of seven former Australian cricket captains has formally approached Foreign Minister Penny Wong, urging her to intervene on behalf of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, whose health in jail has become a matter of urgent concern. The letter, bearing the signatures of Alan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Kim Hughes, Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh, emphasizes that their appeal is strictly humanitarian and not a political endorsement.

The ex‑captains ask that the Australian government press for an independent medical review of Khan’s condition, as ordered by Pakistan’s Supreme Court, and for the immediate provision of any treatment recommended by that review. They also request that the routine family visitation schedule be restored without administrative hindrance, and that Khan’s right to proper medical attention be upheld regardless of his political status.

Their call follows a prior petition signed by 22 former international captains on 23 August, addressed to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, demanding similar safeguards. The earlier letter listed three specific asks: an unrestricted medical board inspection, uninterrupted weekly family visits, and prompt implementation of any medical recommendations.

Prominent Pakistani former players such as Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram and Moeen Khan have also spoken out, joining the global chorus demanding humane treatment for the former prime minister. Current Australian captain Pat Cummins has added his voice to the campaign, describing it as a matter of basic human rights rather than sport or politics.