'Politics aside': Top Pakistan ex-cricketers call for urgent treatment for Imran Khan's vision loss

The former Pakistan Prime Minister's family have claimed that his health worsened due to delays in treatment

  • PUBLISHED: Sun 15 Feb 2026, 12:24 PM

Cricket legends Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis have led calls for former Pakistan captain Imran Khan to be allowed to receive urgent medical support in prison, following reports of severe vision loss in his right eye, according to the ESPNcricinfo.

Khan, the 73-year-old ex Prime Minister of Pakistan, has been in virtual solitary confinement for several months, during which he developed an eye infection that his legal team claims has led to significant loss of vision.

The former Pakistan Prime Minister's family have claimed that his health worsened due to delays in treatment. The government has denied these claims.

"It is heartbreaking to hear our skipper Imran Khan going through health issues," Wasim, who has cited Imran as the biggest influence on his career, said on X.

"I sincerely hope the authorities take this seriously and ensure he receives the best possible medical care. Wishing him strength, a speedy recovery, and a full return to good health," Akram added.

Waqar, who shares similar admiration for Imran's impact on his cricket journey, also expressed concern. "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 and requires urgent treatment. I humbly request the related authorities he gets the appropriate treatment in a timely manner. Get well soon skipper."

Imran Khan was arrested in August 2023 and sentenced to several prison sentences on a slew of graft charges that he and his supporters have insisted are politically motivated.

On February 12, Imran Khan's son Kasim Khan accused the Pakistan government for his father's deteriorating health, following reports that the ex-PM has lost most of the vision in his right eye.

In a post on X, Kasim Khan said, "We have been informed that my father, Imran Khan, has lost most of the vision in his right eye, with reports indicating only 15 per cent eyesight remains. This is the direct consequence of 922 days of solitary confinement, medical neglect (denied blood tests) and the deliberate denial of proper treatment in jail."