Seven former Australian cricket captains have written to their government seeking diplomatic intervention over the treatment of former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently in detention.
The group has asked Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong to raise concerns with Pakistani authorities, particularly regarding Khan’s reported health and conditions at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
The letter comes after an earlier appeal by 22 international cricket captains calling for humane treatment of the former Pakistan star. The Australian signatories are Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Kim Hughes, Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh.
Australian cricket legends seek diplomatic intervention
The seven former captains made it clear that they were not taking a position on the legal or political proceedings against Khan. Instead, they said their concern was focused on his treatment while in detention.
The group described the issue as one of basic humanity, regardless of Khan’s political circumstances.
Greg Chappell, who last met Imran Khan in Islamabad in 2022 when Khan was serving as Pakistan’s Prime Minister, has also sought a meeting with Foreign Minister Penny Wong to discuss the matter.
The former Australian captain said the image he remembers of Khan as healthy and fit is difficult to reconcile with reports emerging about his current condition in detention.
The letter also highlighted Khan’s achievements in cricket and public life. It noted that he led Pakistan to its only World Cup title and later served as the country’s Prime Minister. The former Australian captains also referred to his contribution to Pakistan through the establishment of cancer hospitals.
‘We are concerned that he will die in jail’
The Australian cricket legends said their concerns had grown following repeated public statements from Khan’s sons and sisters about his health and treatment.
According to the letter, concerns include limited medical care, restricted contact with family members and limited access to legal counsel.
The former captains reiterated that they were not commenting on Khan’s legal or political case, which they said was an issue for Pakistan to address.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Chappell was asked why the group felt it was necessary to approach the Australian government.
“We are concerned that he will die in jail,” he said.
The letter said similar concerns had been raised publicly by international cricket captains on two occasions over the previous six months. The signatories said reports since then, along with concerns expressed by Khan’s family, suggested that the situation had not improved.
What the letter asks the Australian government to do
The former Australian captains have asked the Australian government to raise the issue directly with the relevant Pakistani authorities.
Chappell has also requested a meeting with Foreign Minister Wong to discuss the situation personally on behalf of the group.
The former captains stressed that their appeal was not about taking sides in Pakistan’s political or legal matters. Instead, they want attention given to Khan’s treatment and well-being while he remains in detention.
Their appeal comes amid continuing concerns expressed publicly by members of Khan’s family about his health, medical access and contact with relatives and legal representatives.