Supporters point to harsh conditions in custody, including a small cell described as a 'death cell,' intermittent electricity, limited reading materials, and health concerns such as hepatitis cases among prisoners linked to Khan's faction.

Imran Khan, a former Pakistan captain who led the 1992 World Cup and served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, has been imprisoned since August 2023 on multiple charges, with some cases resulting in acquittals.

Signatories include legendary figures such as Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, David Gower, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Steve Waugh, and John Wright.

A group of former international cricket captains, led by Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, issued a joint appeal to the Pakistani government demanding better treatment for Imran Khan, including medical care, humane detention conditions, and access to legal processes.

Public concern centers on reported loss of about 85% of vision in Khan’s right eye and limited access to essentials like reading materials and electricity in jail, according to his son Sulaiman.

The letter frames the appeal around decency and justice in sport diplomacy, highlighting Khan’s legacy as a cricketer and former prime minister, and notes health concerns worsened by custody, including significant vision loss in his right eye.

Khan’s son Kasim Khan and sister Noreen Niazi criticized his treatment, citing severe vision loss (about 85% in the right eye) and alleged medical neglect and solitary confinement.

PTI, Imran Khan’s party, has previously raised alarms about his health, particularly eyesight deterioration, amid his imprisonment.

Kasim Khan told Reuters there are broader issues beyond health, including his father’s freedom, human rights processes, and the fairness of his trial.

At 73, Khan has been jailed since 2023 after politically charged convictions following his 2022 ouster from parliament.

In December, Khan and his wife received a 17-year sentence for allegedly illegally retaining and selling state gifts; Khan’s condition has drawn international attention amid Pakistan’s political tensions.

As of December, Khan faces a cumulative 31-year sentence in corruption-related cases, with deteriorating vision and restricted family access feeding the appeal.