Prominent Pakistani cricket icons have issued urgent appeals for former national captain Imran Khan to receive immediate medical attention amid reports of severe vision deterioration in his right eye. Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, both legendary fast bowlers who played under Khan’s leadership, have publicly called for authorities to prioritize the 73-year-old’s healthcare needs regardless of political considerations.
According to ESPNcricinfo reports, Khan has been experiencing significant vision loss attributed to an eye infection that developed during his extended solitary confinement. Medical professionals familiar with the case indicate the condition requires specialized treatment to prevent permanent damage.
Wasim Akram, expressing profound concern on social media platform X, described the situation as ‘heartbreaking’ and emphasized Khan’s pivotal role in his cricketing development. ‘I sincerely hope the authorities take this seriously and ensure he receives the best possible medical care,’ Akram stated, adding wishes for ‘strength, a speedy recovery, and a full return to good health.’
Waqar Younis echoed these sentiments while acknowledging Khan’s dual legacy as both sporting hero and philanthropist. ‘Putting politics aside, our national hero who gave us our greatest glory on the sporting field, a cancer hospital which helped so many, including my own mother, is suffering a health emergency,’ Younis noted in his public appeal.
The former prime minister’s family has consistently raised concerns about inadequate medical attention during his incarceration since August 2023. Khan’s son, Kasim Khan, recently claimed his father retains only 15% vision in his right eye, attributing this deterioration to ‘922 days of solitary confinement, medical neglect, and deliberate denial of proper treatment.’
Government officials have denied allegations of medical negligence, maintaining that Khan receives appropriate care according to standard prison protocols. The situation continues to draw international attention to Pakistan’s treatment of high-profile political detainees and the intersection of healthcare with judicial proceedings.