Twenty-one former cricket captains from around the world have urged Pakistan's government to provide imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan with proper medical care and humane treatment, citing concerns over his health during his three-year detention.

A group of 21 former international cricket captains has appealed to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure that imprisoned former leader Imran Khan receives adequate medical attention and humane conditions. The letter, dated August 23 and seen by Al Jazeera, requests that authorities allow an independent health assessment, restore Khan's weekly family visits, and provide necessary medical treatment without further delay.

Khan, 73, has remained in custody for three years facing various charges. The appeal comes after a recent dispute over his hospital placement. Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered local authorities to transfer Khan from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital by Thursday midnight. However, according to Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, he was instead moved to a state-run facility, prompting the party to file a contempt petition against the government on Saturday.

The letter was signed by prominent cricket Hall of Famers including Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Clive Lloyd, Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, John Wright, and David Gower, among others. This marks the second such appeal from international cricket captains, following a similar letter in February signed by 14 former captains expressing alarm over Khan's deteriorating health and alleged mistreatment. The signatories emphasized they were writing not as politicians but as former colleagues and competitors united by their shared cricket heritage.

Khan is recognized as one of cricket's greatest all-rounders and Pakistan's most successful captain, having led the country to its first World Cup victory in 1992 and holding the record for most international wins as a Pakistani captain.