Seven former Australia captains appeal to Foreign Minister Penny Wong over Imran Khan's treatment

Seven former Australia cricket captains appealed to Foreign Minister Penny Wong on September 15, 2026, raising concerns about the treatment of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan while he is in detention.

The letter was signed by Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Kim Hughes, Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh, who stressed they were speaking “not as diplomats or political figures, but as former captains who felt compelled to speak up.” They said they were not taking a position on the legal or political case against Imran Khan, describing that as a matter for Pakistan, and focused instead on the humanitarian aspect, calling it “a matter of basic humanity, whatever their politics.”

The appeal follows a separate letter from 22 former international captains, sent less than a month earlier to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which sought improved medical care for Imran Khan.

That earlier letter expressed particular concern over reports that Imran Khan had lost vision in his right eye and called for an independent medical assessment involving doctors of his choice.

The 22 former captains also urged Pakistani authorities to honour weekly family visits that the Supreme Court had reinstated and to provide without delay any treatment recommended after the assessment.

This intervention in September followed another appeal in February from 14 former international captains about Imran Khan’s treatment, and several former Pakistan players — Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram and Moin Khan — have publicly raised similar concerns.

The move by the seven former Australian captains adds to growing concern among prominent cricketers over Imran Khan’s detention. The report was published on September 15, 2026.