Australia captain Pat Cummins has backed calls for proper medical care for former Pakistan captain Imran Khan, saying the jailed cricket great deserves to be treated with dignity.
Cummins became the first active international captain to support the campaign. The move follows a letter from 22 former international captains to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. They have urged authorities to ensure proper medical care for Imran.
Cummins shared a video from former Australia captain Greg Chappell on X. He then added his support for the former captains.
“I hope the court ordered medical assessment be allowed to run its course, and that family visits continue,” Cummins wrote.
“I hope Imran Khan is treated with the dignity anyone deserves.”
The latest appeal marks the second time former international captains have written to the Pakistan government. The first letter came in February, but the government did not respond.
The latest letter includes former captains from India, Australia, England, the West Indies and New Zealand. Chappell has also spoken publicly about concerns over Imran’s health.
Imran has remained in prison in Rawalpindi since August 2023 after his conviction on corruption charges. His health has faced growing scrutiny in recent weeks.
Last week, Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered Imran to receive a medical assessment at Shifa Hospital in Islamabad. However, authorities instead took him to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences before returning him to prison after a check-up.
Cummins’ comments come as concern over Imran continues to spread through the cricket world. His sons have also called for proper medical treatment for their father.
The issue has already created tension during the ongoing England-Pakistan Test series. On Thursday, the Pakistan Cricket Board complained to Sky Sports after the broadcaster aired an interview with Imran’s sons during the lunch interval at Lord’s.
The PCB reportedly considered keeping Pakistan’s players off the field after lunch in protest. The team eventually returned for the second session as scheduled.
The Pakistan government has rejected claims that Imran has faced mistreatment or been denied access to medical care and family members.
According to the government, Imran has received more than 900 visits from relatives, lawyers and doctors since his imprisonment.
Cummins has now added the voice of an active international captain to the growing calls for Imran to receive proper medical care and humane treatment.
