A total of seven former Australian captains have written to their government, seeking support in a bid to urge authorities in Pakistan to provide jailed former cricket captain Imran Khan with better treatment. Following an earlier letter by 22 international captains urging the humane treatment of Imran, several Australian greats have now joined forces to seek a diplomatic resolution. On Tuesday, these former Australian captains wrote to the country’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, to intervene diplomatically as concerns grow over Imran’s well-being.
The signatories of the letter sent to the Australian government are Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Kim Hughes, Mark Taylor, and Steve Waugh.
In a statement, the group of seven captains clarified that they take “no position on the legal or political case against Mr Khan”, describing it as a matter for Pakistan to resolve alone. However, they expressed deep concern over the treatment Imran is receiving in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, calling it “a matter of basic humanity, whatever their politics”.
Greg Chappell, one of the most respected cricketing figures in Australia, has requested a meeting with Senator Wong to discuss Imran’s case, particularly after the former Pakistan captain’s sons alleged a serious threat to his life in a recent interview.
What Does the Letter Say?
The letter penned by the seven captains reads: “Greg Chappell last saw Imran Khan in Islamabad in 2022, when Khan was Prime Minister – hale, hearty, and fit, by his account. It is hard to reconcile that image with the reports now coming out of his detention, and that is why we write to you today, not as diplomats or political actors, but as former Australian captains who felt we should speak up.”
“Mr Khan led Pakistan to its only World Cup title. He also led his country as Prime Minister. Australians hold him in great regard – as a cricketer whose skill and leadership left a lasting mark on the game we share, and as someone who has helped improve the lives of Pakistanis by building cancer hospitals,” it added.
In a conversation with the Hindustan Times, Greg Chappell emphasised that the political case against Imran is not a concern for him or the other signatories, but insisted that he must be afforded humane treatment in detention.
“Beyond credible reports, his own sons and sisters have been pleading publicly for months over his health and treatment in detention – citing limited medical care, restricted family contact, and minimal access to legal counsel among their concerns. We take no position on the legal or political case against him. That is Pakistan’s business. But the treatment of any person in detention is a matter of basic humanity, whatever their politics,” the letter stated.
When asked about the necessity of writing the letter, Chappell said: “We are concerned that he will die in jail.”
“This is not the first time international captains have raised this concern. It has been brought to public attention on two separate occasions in the past six months, and the reports since then – now echoed by his own family – suggest the situation has not improved. We would be grateful if the Australian Government could raise this directly with the relevant Pakistani authorities. Mr Chappell has also requested a meeting with you on this matter over recent weeks, and would welcome the chance to discuss it with you directly on our behalf. Thank you for taking the time to consider this,” the letter concluded.
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