Calls are growing for Pakistan cricket legend and former World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan to be treated with the respect and dignity befitting one of the greatest figures in the history of the sport.
Imran, who led Pakistan to their historic 1992 World Cup triumph, has spent more than three years in prison. Concerns have recently been raised over his health and access to medical treatment and family members, prompting 21 former international captains to appeal to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for appropriate care and regular family visits.
Former Australia captain Greg Chappell, who met Imran in Pakistan several years ago, has also expressed concern over his current condition. Chappell said Imran was physically strong when they met but claimed that his health had deteriorated during his prolonged imprisonment, including problems with his right eye.
The concerns have also drawn support from current Australia captain Pat Cummins, who shared Chappell's remarks on X and backed the former international captains' appeal. Cummins said he hoped Imran would receive proper medical treatment in accordance with court directions and be allowed continued access to his family.
Beyond cricket and politics, supporters of the appeal say Imran deserves to be treated with basic dignity and respect. As the captain who delivered Pakistan their greatest cricketing achievement and a figure who left an enduring mark on the international game, his legacy remains deeply significant to millions of cricket fans around the world.
The appeal, therefore, is not simply about a former cricketer's health. It is also a call for a sporting icon who once carried Pakistan's hopes on the world's biggest cricketing stage to be treated with the dignity and respect that every human being deserves.
