Kapil Dev Urges Proper Medical Care and Humanity for Jailed Imran Khan
Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev has publicly appealed for humane and appropriate medical facilities for former Pakistan Prime Minister and cricket legend Imran Khan, who remains imprisoned. Describing Khan as a friend and one of the finest cricketers ever seen, Dev emphasised that basic medical attention and human dignity should be extended to every prisoner regardless of their legal or political circumstances.
What Happened
Kapil Dev voiced his support following a joint initiative by 21 former international cricket captains who sent a second letter within six months to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The letter requested that Khan’s urgent medical needs be properly addressed in detention. Dev clarified that he was not engaging with Pakistan’s internal legal procedures or evaluating the merits of Khan’s detention, but was instead appealing strictly on humanitarian grounds. Speaking to the Independent, Dev stated that humanity and simple facilities should be granted to any prisoner, especially someone who served as the country’s prime minister and ranks among the greatest cricketers in the world. He underscored that former players are solely requesting the best possible medical treatment rather than demanding political responses.
Key Highlights
- Kapil Dev called for proper medical treatment and basic human dignity for Imran Khan at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
- A total of 21 former international cricket captains signed a second letter addressed to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif seeking adherence to a court-ordered medical procedure.
- An earlier appeal had been submitted in February 2026, signed by 14 former international captains, raising alarms over Khan’s health.
- Khan, who is 73 years old, has been held in detention since August 5, 2023.
- Reports indicate Khan has suffered an estimated 85 per cent loss of vision in his right eye due to medical neglect during his detention.
- Pakistan’s Supreme Court directed a medical board on February 12, 2026, to conduct an examination of Khan’s eyes.
Why This Matters
The collective appeal highlights significant concern across the international cricketing fraternity over the well-being of a celebrated former player and head of government. The signatories, including Kapil Dev, framed their request not as an intervention into the political or legal aspects of Khan’s custody, but as a universal appeal for the completion of a court-mandated medical review and the provision of standard healthcare rights to prisoners.
What to Watch Next
The immediate step outlined in the source involves whether Pakistani authorities act upon the Supreme Court directive concerning the medical board appointed to evaluate Khan’s vision and medical condition, alongside any formal consideration of the joint appeal delivered to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Kapil Dev state regarding Imran Khan’s custody?
Kapil Dev stated that he wanted Khan to receive the best possible medical treatment on humanitarian grounds, making clear that he was not commenting on legal proceedings or the country’s laws, but advocating for fundamental decency and basic facilities for a prisoner.
What is the core request of the letter sent by former cricket captains?
The second letter signed by 21 former international cricket captains asks the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure that a court-ordered medical process for Imran Khan is carried out fully.
What health issues has Imran Khan experienced in custody?
Reports note that Imran Khan has lost approximately 85 per cent of his vision in his right eye due to medical neglect while being detained at Adiala Jail.
Source: CricTracker report citing quotes provided to Independent.