New Delhi: Indian cricket greats Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev joined a dozen other former international captains such as Greg Chappell and Steve Waugh in demanding better prison treatment for “one of the finest all-rounders” of the game, Imran Khan.
Notably, no former Pakistan captain had extended support, prompting many in Pakistan to label their ex-cricketers as “spineless and shameless” while calling Dev and Gavaskar’s support “sportsmanship at its highest level.”
In a letter to the Government of Pakistan, the cricketers have expressed concern about the reported condition of the former Pakistan captain. Khan, also a former Pakistani PM, has reportedly lost most vision in one eye.
“As fellow cricketers who understand the values of fair play, honour, and respect that transcend the boundary rope, we believe that a person of Imran Khan’s stature deserves to be treated with the dignity and basic human consideration befitting a former national leader and a global sporting icon,” the letter read.
The former cricketers collectively requested the government to allow Khan to have “humane and dignified conditions of detention in line with international standards, including regular visits by close family members”. Also, a “fair and transparent access to legal processes without undue delay or hindrance.”
“Cricket has long been a bridge between nations. Our shared history on the field reminds us that rivalry ends when the stumps are drawn-and respect endures. Imran Khan embodied that spirit throughout his career,” the letter further read.
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‘Class’ vs ‘besharam’
The letter quickly went viral on social media in Pakistan. Many applauded Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev for speaking up for Imran Khan.
“Respect to these 14 legends for rising above borders and politics. Cricket has always been bigger than rivalries – Gavaskar, Kapil, Chappell, Waugh, Lloyd and the rest reminding the world that a 1992 World Cup hero and global icon deserves basic human dignity and proper medical care. Humanity wins today,” a post on X read.
Respect to these 14 legends for rising above borders and politics. Cricket has always been bigger than rivalries – Gavaskar, Kapil, Chappell, Waugh, Lloyd and the rest reminding the world that a 1992 World Cup hero and global icon deserves basic human dignity and proper medical…
— Waleed Ahmad 🇵🇰 🇬🇧 (@wal3dahmad) February 17, 2026
Another Pakistani fan said, “That’s why we love Kapil Paji.
The “courage and class” of Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar were praised by @musaddiqbangash, while @asif38689 called them “legends of the game”.
Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar have shown the youth what true friendship and character look like.
Youngsters should learn from these two legends — this is how you stand by someone with courage and class
— Musaddiq Bangash (@MusaddiqBangash) February 17, 2026
When legends of the game speak for Imran Khan, it shows that respect earned on the field never fades off it.
— Muhammad asif (@asif38689) February 17, 2026
Many also noted that no former Pakistan skipper was part of the letter and criticised them for their silence. @undefeatedkhan wrote: “We should thank Indians Ex-cricketers for raising their voice. And we are ashamed of our selfish Ex-cricketers.”
We should thanks Indians Ex-cricketers for raising their voice.
And we are ashamed of our selfish Ex-cricketers.
— ناقابل شکست عمران احمد خان نیازی 🇵🇰 (@UndefeatedKhan) February 17, 2026
“Not even a single captain from Pakistan? How come,” said a post by @mansoorkahn.
Not even a single captain from Pakistan? How come
— Mansoor Ali Khan (@Mansoorkahn) February 17, 2026
Others expressed their disappointment in stronger terms, calling Pakistani cricketers “besharam” and accusing them of lacking “spine” and “guts”.
Not a single besharam Pakistani captains!! Including those that are direct beneficiaries of @ImranKhanPTI
What shameless and spineless people!!
— Tintinusa@bsky.social (@Tintinfrank) February 17, 2026
Not a single Pakistani had the guts to sign this letter. Wow
— Muhammad Junaid (@iammjunaid) February 17, 2026
@imanwithik extolled Dev and Gavaskar’s support as “sportsmanship at its highest level”, adding that “history will remember who had the spine.”
That’s sportsmanship at its highest level.
When legends Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, and other former rivals stand up for Imran Khan, it shows you can’t erase his legacy. History will remember who had the spine. This letter is a total shame for our own cricketers. https://t.co/PKPpd9KnPS pic.twitter.com/ODuA8AOylW
— Iman (@imanwithik) February 17, 2026
Some even called out the likes of Wasim Akram, Javed Miandad, and Waqar Younis, with @yasirenbcn describing them as “enslaved to money, power and fame.”
(Edited as Asavari Singh)