Watch: Kapil Dev speaks on Imran Khan’s jail conditions, makes special appeal

Former India captain Kapil Dev has spoken out in support of former Pakistan cricketer and prime minister Imran Khan. He called for Khan to be treated with dignity and given access to basic facilities while in jail.

Kapil’s comments came days after 21 former international cricketers wrote to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. They raised concerns about Imran Khan’s health and well-being, with Kapil also signing the letter.

The 1983 World Cup-winning captain said the appeal is about Khan’s basic well-being and is separate from his legal cases. During an interaction with ANI, he said, “Not aware of the laws,” and his comment quickly went viral.

Watch the viral video here:

Kapil Dev speaks out on Imran Khan's condition in Pakistan jail

Kapil Dev stressed that Imran Khan should receive proper facilities and medical attention while he remains in prison in Pakistan. He said Khan deserves basic care and a safe environment during his time in jail.

The legendary Indian captain urged the authorities to ensure that Khan gets the same basic facilities as others in the prison. He said, “They have to see that the condition of the place where they put him and other medical facilities should be good enough.”

Kapil also said the cricket community is only asking for better treatment for Khan, regardless of the allegations against him. He added, “The law will take their time, but you can give them better treatment.”

"We Don't Know the Law" — Kapil Dev's careful but emotional plea for his old rival

Speaking at the launch of a golf tournament, Kapil Dev said he was not familiar with Pakistan’s legal system but stressed that Imran Khan should be treated with dignity. He said, “I am not aware of the laws there, but regardless of who the prisoner is, they should be treated with courtesy and provided with basic amenities.”

Kapil added that his appeal was simply for Imran Khan to receive proper care and basic facilities in jail. He also noted that Khan had served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister and was a world-class cricketer. Meanwhile, former Pakistan stars Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis have also spoken about the situation.

The 1983 World Cup-winning captain also refused to criticise Pakistani cricketers who have stayed silent on the matter. He said he understood that they still live in Pakistan and may face different circumstances. Kapil explained that his comments were simply an expression of support for a fellow cricketer with whom he shared the field during their playing careers.

22 captains' letter to Shehbaz Sharif and what comes next for Imran Khan

Twenty-two former international cricket captains have renewed their appeal to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for better and more humane treatment of former Pakistan captain Imran Khan. The latest letter comes six months after a similar appeal, with seven more former captains joining the request.

The group includes Indian cricket legends Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar. The former captains have raised concerns about Khan’s health and called for proper medical treatment. They have also urged the Pakistani government to follow the Supreme Court’s directive and ensure humane treatment for the 73-year-old former captain.

The former captains have also asked Pakistan to restore Khan’s court-ordered weekly family visits without delay. They want medical treatment recommended by an independent medical board to be provided promptly. The appeal, led by former Australia captain Greg Chappell, has been described as non-political and based on their shared connection to cricket and concern for Khan’s well-being.