Seven former Australian cricket skippers write to Penny Wong over Imran Khan’s detention
On September 15, 2026 seven former Australian cricket skippers wrote to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong urging her to raise humanitarian concerns about the detention of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. The appeal was reported by Cricinfo.
The signatories to the letter were Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Kim Hughes, Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh. They clarified they were writing "not as diplomats or political figures, but as former captains who felt compelled to speak up" and said the group "takes no position on the legal or political case against Mr. Khan", describing that as a matter for Pakistan alone. Their stated concern was with the treatment of anyone in detention, which they described as "a matter of basic humanity, whatever their politics". Imran Khan is referenced in the letter as the former Pakistan cricket captain and Prime Minister.
The letter from the seven former skippers is the latest public appeal in a series of interventions about Mr. Khan's treatment. On August 23, twenty-two former international cricket captains from around the world wrote to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calling for improved medical treatment for Imran Khan and alleging that the care being provided fell short of a directive issued by the Supreme Court.
That August 23 letter made three specific requests. First, that the medical board directed by the Supreme Court - including Imran'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. Second, that the weekly family visits reinstated by the Court be honoured without interruption or administrative delay. Third, that whatever the outcome of that medical assessment, the treatment recommended by it be provided without delay.
The August appeal followed an earlier letter in February which was signed by 14 former international captains. Since those letters, former Pakistan greats Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram and Moin Khan have also spoken out on the matter. The correspondence attracted further attention when current Australia captain Pat Cummins likewise voiced his concerns.
The seven former Australian captains' letter to Penny Wong joins prior public letters and statements regarding Imran Khan's detention and medical care, representing the most recent intervention by former international cricketers on the issue.