Allan Border, Greg Chappell among seven Australian legends making fresh appeal for Imran Khan

Legendary Pakistan captain Imran Khan has garnered more support from the cricketing fraternity as several former Australia captains have raised concerns about his well-being inside jail. In an appeal to their country’s minister for foreign affairs, Penny Wong, seven skippers have raised humanitarian concerns over Khan’s detention in Pakistan.

Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Kim Hughes, Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh have sent the letter to the minister. In the letter, they’ve made it clear that they’re not taking sides on the legal or political case against Mr Khan, calling it an internal matter for Pakistan.

However, their concern is regarding the treatment of any person in detention, calling it "a matter of basic humanity, whatever their politics". Notably, Greg Chappell also requested a meeting with Foreign Minister Wong last month to discuss the matter on the group's behalf, but hasn't received a response.

Khan has been getting regular support from the cricketing fraternity, with several former captains recently writing a second letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appealing for Khan’s medical treatment.

In the letter, the players alleged that the government has fallen short of the Supreme Court’s directives in ensuring the well-being of the former Pakistan captain. The former cricketers stated that Khan’s hospital stay was relatively short and he wasn’t properly examined.

Requests by former captains

In the letter, the former players have made three specific requests:

• That the medical board directed by the Supreme Court - including Mr Khan's own doctors - be permitted to complete a full and independent assessment of his health, particularly the reported loss of vision in his right eye.
• That the weekly family visits reinstated by the Court be honoured without interruption or administrative delay.
• That whatever the outcome of that medical assessment, the treatment recommended by it be provided without delay.

Recently, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Moin Khan and Pat Cummins also voiced their support for Khan as the matter continues to get worldwide attention.