ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): A group of 14 former international captains representing multiple national cricket teams has formally appealed to the Government of Pakistan for an NRO for former Prime Minister and Pakistan captain Imran Khan.
The signatories voiced deep concern regarding Khan’s reported health condition and incarceration conditions. As the letter avoids direct political language, the tone of the letter is what has caused debate about the demand for an NRO.
In a letter issued on February 17, the former international cricketers urged the Pakistan government to ensure that Imran Khan receives immediate, adequate, and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing to address his reported health issues.
They further demanded humane and dignified conditions of detention in line with international standards, including regular visits by close family members.
The letter urged the government to ensure fair and transparent access to legal processes without undue delay or hindrance.
The cricketers include England’s Michael Atherton, David Gower, and Nasser Hussain, Australia’s Allan Border, Ian Chappell, Greg Chappell, Kim Hughes, and Stephen Waugh, India’s Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, West Indies’ Sir Clive Lloyd, and New Zealand’s John Geoffrey Wright.
“Imran Khan’s contributions to the game are universally admired. As captain, he led Pakistan to their historic 1992 Cricket World Cup victory, a triumph built on skill, resilience, leadership, and sportsmanship that inspired generations across borders,” the letter stated.
The former skippers stated that “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.”
“Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or grew up idolizing his all-round brilliance, charisma, and competitive spirit. He remains one of the finest all-rounders and captains the sport has ever seen, earning respect from players, fans, and administrators alike.”
They called on authorities to honour it now by upholding the principles of decency and justice. “This appeal is made in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity, without prejudice to any legal proceedings,” the letter reads.
