West Indies legend Brian Lara has joined a growing group of former international captains calling for Imran Khan to receive proper medical care and dignified treatment in prison, where the 1992 World Cup-winning captain and former Pakistan prime minister has been held since 2023.

"Imran Khan and I only crossed paths on the field a handful of times, but the respect I have for him was instant and lasting," he wrote on Instagram.

"I am struggling to understand how someone who was once a beacon of hope, pride and inspiration for his country, at the height of his sporting career, could now find himself in a situation where he is not being cared for and treated with the compassion and dignity he deserves," Lara wrote.

A group of former international captains have sent two letters to the Pakistan government, urging them to ensure Imran’s proper medical treatment while imprisoned.

Current Australia Test captain Pat Cummins joined the growing chorus with a post on social media, after which Imran’s former teammate and former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad also spoke up on the matter – becoming the first high-profile Pakistani cricketers to do so.

Lara echoed the group of former captains who have already spoken out.

"I stand with my fellow former captains in asking that he receive proper, independent medical care and the dignity every human being deserves," he added.

"This isn't politics. It's basic humanity for a legend of our game," he wrote.