Twenty-one former international cricket captains from nine countries have urged Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure proper medical care and humane treatment for former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan, according to news agency PTI. The appeal comes amid concerns over Khan's reported health problems in custody, including an alleged major loss of vision in his right eye.

The former cricketers' intervention follows an earlier appeal by 14 former captains around six months ago. The latest letter specifically raises questions about the implementation of a Pakistan Supreme Court order concerning Khan's medical examination. According to the letter, the court had directed that Khan undergo a comprehensive assessment by a medical board that would include his personal doctors and his sister, Uzma Khan. The former captains said Khan was instead examined for several hours by a government-appointed medical team at Islamabad's Shifa International Hospital before being declared medically fit and returned to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. They argued that the court-directed medical board had not completed its assessment. The appeal includes prominent former Indian captains Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, along with other former leaders of international cricket. The signatories said their intervention was motivated by their shared connection through the sport rather than by political considerations.

Three demands to Shehbaz Sharif

The former captains have asked the Pakistan government to ensure that the Supreme Court's directions are fully implemented. Their first request is for the court-directed medical board, including Khan's personal physicians, to conduct a complete and independent assessment, with particular attention to the reported deterioration in his right-eye vision.

They have also urged authorities to ensure that Khan's weekly family visitation rights, which were reinstated by the Supreme Court, are provided without administrative delays or obstruction. Their third demand is that any treatment recommended by the medical board should be made available without delay.

The former cricketers said medical care should be treated separately from the political and legal disputes surrounding Khan's imprisonment. Their appeal comes as concerns about the former Pakistan prime minister's health have remained a subject of public and political attention.

Concerns over medical assessment

The dispute centres on whether the medical process followed in Khan's case fully complied with the Supreme Court's directions. The former captains contend that the examination by the government-appointed medical team did not satisfy the requirement for a broader medical board assessment involving Khan's own doctors.

The signatories have particularly highlighted reports concerning Khan's eyesight. They argued that such concerns make a comprehensive examination important and called for the process ordered by the court to be completed rather than replaced by a shorter assessment.

The appeal also comes against the backdrop of Khan's prolonged imprisonment and continuing political tensions in Pakistan. The former cricketers have sought to keep their intervention focused on medical care and the implementation of judicial directions rather than the wider arguments over his legal cases.

Their letter said ensuring that a court-ordered medical process is completed should be viewed as a basic humanitarian matter, regardless of the political or legal disputes surrounding Khan. The request now places the Pakistan government under renewed attention over how the former cricket captain's medical needs and court-directed rights are being handled in custody.

The cricketing world is mourning the loss of Sir Garfield Sobers, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the game, who passed away at the age of 89, just days before his 90th birthday. Tributes poured in from across the globe, with Indian legends Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and Sunil Gavaskar leading the outpouring of grief and admiration. (Reuters)

Sobers, whose extraordinary versatility redefined cricket, left behind a legacy that spanned more than two decades. His death marks the end of an era for world cricket and prompted heartfelt messages from players, cricket boards and fans worldwide. (Reuters)

Sachin Pays Emotional Tribute

Batting great Sachin Tendulkar described Sobers as one of cricket's greatest inspirations, recalling his immense contribution to the sport and the lasting impact he had on generations of cricketers.

Tendulkar said Sobers' achievements and sportsmanship would continue to inspire players around the world, remembering him not only as a legendary cricketer but also as a humble ambassador of the game. (Sambad English)

Virat Kohli Remembers a Legend

Former India captain Virat Kohli also paid tribute, calling Sobers an icon whose influence extended far beyond statistics.

Kohli acknowledged the West Indies legend's remarkable achievements and said his contribution to cricket would remain timeless, with future generations continuing to learn from his legacy. (The Statesman)

Gavaskar: Cricket Lost Its Brightest Jewel

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar offered one of the most emotional tributes, saying cricket had lost "its brightest jewel."

Gavaskar described Sobers as the greatest cricketer he had ever seen and said he represented everything young cricketers aspired to become. He praised Sobers' unmatched ability to excel in batting, bowling and fielding while carrying himself with humility throughout his career. (The Times of India)

A Career That Redefined Greatness

Born in Barbados in 1936, Sir Garfield Sobers made his Test debut at just 17 years of age and went on to become the benchmark for all-round excellence.

During his international career, he played 93 Test matches, scoring 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78, including 26 centuries, while claiming 235 wickets with both pace and spin. He also took 109 catches, making him one of cricket's finest fielders. (Reuters)

Among his most iconic achievements were his unbeaten 365 against Pakistan in 1958, then the highest individual score in Test cricket, and becoming the first player to hit six sixes in a single over in first-class cricket in 1968. (The Guardian)

Legacy Beyond Records

Sobers was knighted in 1975 and later named a National Hero of Barbados. His influence continues through the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, awarded annually by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to the Men's Cricketer of the Year. (Reuters)

Cricket boards, former players and fans across continents remembered him as a once-in-a-generation talent whose achievements transcended eras and national boundaries. His passing leaves a void in world cricket, but his legacy is expected to inspire generations to come. (Reuters)

Gavaskar Criticises Bumrah's No-Balls, Hails Rohit Sharma's Form  

Sunil Gavaskar has praised Rohit Sharma's impactful return while lashing out at Jasprit Bumrah's no-ball indiscipline during Mumbai Indians' IPL clash against Lucknow Super Giants.

Rohit Sharma's explosive 84-run knock and Jasprit Bumrah's no-ball troubles dominated discussions after Mumbai Indians' high-scoring win over Lucknow Super Giants on Monday evening at the Wankhede Stadium. The veteran commentator's sharp on-air reaction to the pace spearhead's errors added to the buzz around the match.

Bumrah's Rare Lapse Draws Strong Rebuke

In the 14th over against LSG, Jasprit Bumrah overstepped while dismissing Himmat Singh, only for the batter to be reprieved. Moments later, he delivered another no-ball followed by a wide, piling pressure on himself. The world's leading white-ball pacer recovered with a sharp yorker on the free hit, but the incident did not go unnoticed.

“Do not tell me again! Do not tell me that Bumrah has bowled a no-ball. That is not acceptable. You are a professional cricketer; it is not acceptable. Wides, yes, I understand, but no balls, no," Sunil Gavaskar fumed on air, according to multiple reports.

Gavaskar's frustration reflected the high standards expected from Bumrah, who has built a reputation for precision. Such foot-faults remain rare for the India star but stood out in an otherwise competitive bowling effort.

Rohit Lights Up Wankhede with Vintage Display

While Bumrah faced scrutiny, Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma delivered a timely reminder of his big-match calibre. Returning from a brief injury layoff, the 'Hitman' smashed 84 off 44 balls, featuring his signature pulls, drives, and lofts. His innings provided the early momentum that helped MI chase down a massive total in a six-wicket victory.

Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar lauded the knock and noted a visible shift in Rohit's approach. “In the IPL, he usually scores 400 to 500 runs a season, but his knocks are often impactful. He may not have many 80-plus innings, but his 40 to 50-run starts give his team early momentum," he said.

The commentator highlighted Rohit's shot-making against both pace and spin, including a clean hit down the ground against left-arm spinner M. Siddharth. “If he continues this form, Mumbai Indians will hurt the playoff hopes of many teams in the remaining matches,” Gavaskar warned.

Mumbai's Playoff Push Gains Momentum

Mumbai Indians have looked inconsistent at times this season but victories like Monday's can quickly change the narrative in the tightly contested IPL standings. Rohit's return adds firepower to a batting line-up that has often relied on explosive cameos. A string of consistent performances from the opener could indeed complicate qualification scenarios for several sides in the race for the top four.

Observers note that Mumbai still needs to tighten its bowling and middle-order stability. Yet, with Rohit finding rhythm and Bumrah available as the lead attack, the five-time champions remain a dangerous proposition in the business end of the league.

Ngidi Cleared to Face CSK After Head Injury Scare

In a separate development, Delhi Capitals received a timely boost with the confirmation that Lungi Ngidi is fully fit and available for selection. The South African pacer missed recent games after suffering a worrying head injury during the April 25 clash against Punjab Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Ngidi fell awkwardly while attempting a catch and required medical attention on the field, with the match halted for several minutes. He was taken to hospital but later declared stable. Following the mandatory six-day rest protocol, he has resumed training and bowling.

Bowling coach Munaf Patel confirmed the update ahead of DC's clash against Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday. "Everyone is fit. Lungi is fit. He didn't play two games because of the criterion of six days' rest," Patel said.

Impact on Playoff Race

With several teams still in contention, individual performances and player availability could prove decisive. Rohit's resurgence strengthens Mumbai's batting depth at a crucial juncture, while Ngidi's return bolsters Delhi's pace resources for their remaining fixtures.

Fans and experts will watch closely whether Rohit sustains his touch and how Bumrah responds to the rare criticism. The IPL continues to deliver drama both on and off the field as the playoff spots grow hotter.

In a pivotal moment for India's T20 World Cup campaign, former captain Sunil Gavaskar has issued a stark warning to the Men in Blue: "Can't take West Indies lightly." With the do-or-die clash set for March 1 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Gavaskar's advice comes hot on the heels of India's recent ups and downs, emphasizing the need for smart play to secure a semifinal spot.

The timing couldn't be more critical. South Africa has already clinched their semifinal berth, leaving India and West Indies to battle for the remaining slot. This match isn't just another game—it's a test of resilience in the high-stakes world of T20 cricket, where fortunes can flip in an over. Gavaskar's insights, drawn from decades of experience, offer a roadmap for India to navigate this challenge amid growing excitement in global cricket circles.

Gavaskar's Key Advice: Play Smart Against West Indies' Firepower

Reflecting on India's defeat to South Africa, Sunil Gavaskar stressed the importance of learning from setbacks. "India were broken against South Africa," he noted, praising the team's shift to a right-left opening combination. But West Indies presents a "completely different challenge," according to the legend.

Gavaskar highlighted West Indies' strengths: batters in top form who attack from the first ball, bowlers punishing mistakes, and a knack for striking at opportune moments. "Their batters start playing shots from ball one. They do not wait to see if the delivery needs respect," he said. His actionable takeaway? India must devise clever plans to outfox the opposition. "India will have to play smart, come up with plans, and outfox West Indies in a way they do not expect," Gavaskar advised.

This Sunil Gavaskar advice for India vs West Indies underscores why preparation matters now—West Indies' aggressive style could exploit any complacency, especially after India's dominant 72-run win over Zimbabwe, where they posted their highest T20 World Cup total.

Applauding Sanju Samson's Explosive Start

Gavaskar didn't hold back praise for Sanju Samson's brief but impactful innings against Zimbabwe. "That six which Sanju Samson hit off the back foot straight over long off was amazing," he enthused, describing the shot's difficulty and class.

Samson's cameo provided a flying start, setting a solid platform for the middle order. "In the interest of the team, he went for a big hit and got out. That is fine because he got India off to a flying start," Gavaskar explained. For readers, this highlights a key T20 lesson: aggressive openers like Samson can turn games, offering inspiration for aspiring cricketers to balance risk and team needs.

Abhishek Sharma's Comeback: A Lesson in Maturity

Turning to Abhishek Sharma's 55-run knock, Gavaskar called it a "mature innings" that silenced doubters. "He took that extra time to start his innings. There was a method to his batting," he observed, noting Sharma's rare defensive play against spinners.

Gavaskar views this as a growth moment. "Every cricketer goes through a rough patch... I feel Abhishek has learned a lot," he said. This insight serves as a practical takeaway: patience and adaptation are vital in T20s, especially ahead of high-pressure games like India vs West Indies.

As the T20 World Cup heats up, Sunil Gavaskar's advice reminds fans why cricket thrives on strategy and heart. India must heed his words to advance—Sunday's clash promises fireworks, but only the smarter side will prevail. With South Africa waiting in the semis, the Men in Blue have everything to play for.

In an unprecedented display of cross-border solidarity, 14 legendary international cricket captains have joined forces to appeal to the Pakistan government for the fair and humane treatment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The petition, delivered to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday, comes amid alarming reports that the 1992 World Cup-winning captain has lost nearly 85% of the vision in his right eye while in custody.

The appeal, spearheaded by former Australian captain Greg Chappell, includes some of the biggest names in the sport’s history, such as India’s Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar, alongside icons like Allan Border, Clive Lloyd, and Steve Waugh.

A "Death Cell" Crisis: Concerns Over Vision Loss

The primary driver behind this global petition is the "alarming deterioration" of Khan’s health. According to reports from his legal team and family, the 73-year-old is being held in a "death cell" at Adiala Jail—a small, windowless space typically reserved for those on death row.

Recent medical assessments suggest Khan is left with only 15% vision in his right eye due to medical neglect and a lack of specialized care. While the Pakistani government recently formed a medical board claiming his vision is "improving," Khan’s family and his party, the PTI, have rejected these findings, demanding an evaluation by independent doctors of his choosing.

"Rivalry Ends When the Stumps are Drawn"

The joint statement issued by the captains transcends political boundaries, emphasizing the values of sportsmanship and mutual respect.

"As fellow cricketers who understand the values of fair play... we believe that a person of Imran Khan's stature deserves to be treated with dignity," the statement read. "Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev have echoed this sentiment, with Gavaskar describing the reported conditions as 'terrible' for a man who served as a national leader and a global sporting icon."

The signatories of the petition include:

• India: Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar

• Australia: Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Steve Waugh, Kim Hughes, Belinda Clark

• England: Mike Atherton, Michael Brearley, David Gower, Nasser Hussain

• West Indies: Clive Lloyd

• New Zealand: John Wright

Why This Matters Now: The 2026 Context

This humanitarian plea arrives at a sensitive time for Pakistan. As the nation grapples with political instability, the domestic mood is further dampened by the Pakistan team's struggle in the T20 World Cup 2026. The contrast between the glory of Khan’s 1992 triumph and his current incarceration has sparked a wave of nostalgia and concern across the cricketing world.

For the international community, the treatment of a former head of state is a litmus test for human rights. The captains are not intervening in the legal cases against Khan—who faces a cumulative 31-year sentence—but are strictly demanding "humane and dignified conditions" and "immediate medical attention from qualified specialists."

Conclusion: A Call for Decency

The 14 captains concluded their appeal by reminding the Pakistan government that "rivalry ends when the stumps are drawn—and respect endures." Whether this high-profile intervention will lead to a shift in Khan’s prison conditions remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly placed the Shehbaz Sharif administration under a global spotlight.