Former captains, including Ranatunga, urge Pakistan PM on Imran Khan

The group of 21 former international cricket captains has collectively written to Pakistan's Prime Minister, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding Imran Khan, the country's former cricket captain and now prominent political figure.

Ranatunga, who captained Sri Lanka's World Cup-winning team in 1996, is among the signatories of the letter, reflecting the significant cross-border sporting connections that bind cricket personalities across South Asia.

Imran Khan, who led Pakistan to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup, has faced legal challenges and detention in recent months following his political activities and public statements critical of the government. The letter from the former captains represents a rare unified statement from cricket's leadership figures on a politically sensitive matter in the region.

The intervention by these prominent sporting figures underscores the enduring influence of cricket in South Asian affairs and the personal relationships forged through the sport that transcend national boundaries.

Imran Khan's status as both a sporting icon and political leader has made his case a subject of international attention, with various stakeholders calling for fair treatment under Pakistan's legal system.