A group of the world’s most famous cricket players has joined together to ask for better medical care for Imran Khan. The former Prime Minister of Pakistan is currently held in Adiala Prison in Rawalpindi. Recent reports from his family and lawyers suggest his health is failing quickly. Most notably, his legal team told the Supreme Court that he has lost 85% of the vision in his right eye. This news has moved famous players from several countries to sign an open letter calling for "humane treatment." While the government says they are providing care, the delay in medical help has led to a global debate about the safety of the former athlete.
Timeline of Events and Key Figures
Imran Khan was a famous cricket captain before he became the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. He served as Prime Minister until he was removed from power and later put in prison on several charges.
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Last Week: Khan's lawyer informed the Supreme Court of significant vision loss due to a lack of timely medical care.
February 14, 2026: Government minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhary announced on social media that a medical board would be formed and Khan would be moved to a hospital.
February 17, 2026: Fourteen former international captains, including Ian Chappell, Steve Waugh, and Sunil Gavaskar, released a joint letter.
Current Status: Opposition lawmakers are holding protests at Parliament House to demand he receives better treatment.
The core issue centers on whether the reported vision loss was a result of intentional medical neglect or standard prison conditions.
Reported Medical Evidence
The primary concern involves a severe infection in Imran Khan's right eye. The following data points have been presented by his legal team and family:
| Detail | Source/Claim |
|---|---|
| Vision Loss | 85% loss of sight in the right eye reported. |
| Cause | An eye infection that was allegedly not treated in time. |
| Prison Conditions | Kasim Khan (son) claims long periods of solitary confinement caused the decline. |
| Doctor Access | Spokesperson Zulfi Bukhari claims Khan's personal doctor was denied access. |
| Government View | Official spokesmen deny any neglect and say a medical board is now active. |
"It is heartbreaking to hear our skipper is losing his vision. I humbly request the related authorities he gets the appropriate treatment in a timely manner." — Wasim Akram, former Pakistan captain.
The Global Appeal from Cricket Greats
The letter signed by 14 international captains marks a rare moment where sports stars intervene in a political matter. This group includes leaders from England, Australia, India, the West Indies, and New Zealand.
International Signatories
Former England captains Nasser Hussain, Mike Atherton, David Gower, and Mike Brearley joined the call. From Australia, Greg Chappell, Allan Border, and Belinda Clark added their names. These individuals are not just sports stars; they represent a global community that views Imran Khan as a legendary peer. Their message focuses on "humane treatment" rather than the legal reasons for his jail time.
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The Response from Pakistani Teammates
Inside Pakistan, the reaction has been led by players who won the 1992 World Cup under Khan’s leadership. Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shahid Afridi have used social media to voice their worry. Shoaib Akhtar also joined the group, stating that medical treatment is a "basic right" that should be provided to any prisoner regardless of their past.
Investigating the Causes of Health Decline
There are two main views regarding how Imran Khan's health reached this state:
The Claim of Neglect: His son and legal team argue that the prison staff did not allow specialists to see him. They suggest that staying in a small cell for a long time without enough light or medical checks led to the infection becoming permanent. Did the authorities wait until the damage was irreversible before deciding to move him to a hospital?
The Government Defense: The government says they are following prison rules. They argue that they have now taken action by forming a medical board and planning a hospital transfer. They suggest the health issues are being managed according to the law and that "neglect" is an unfair description of the situation.
Expert Analysis and Official Statements
The decision to move Imran Khan to a hospital suggests that the government recognizes the seriousness of the situation. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary confirmed the formation of a medical board to oversee the transition.
Expert observers note that the involvement of Indian cricket legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev is significant. Because of the history between India and Pakistan, it is rare for Indian icons to speak on Pakistani internal affairs. This suggests the concern is being viewed strictly as a human rights or medical issue rather than a political one.
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Zulfi Bukhari, a spokesperson for Khan, told the media that the lack of access for Khan’s personal doctor remains a major point of tension. This leads to the question: why would the authorities deny a personal doctor if the goal is to ensure the prisoner's well-being?
Current Findings and Next Steps
The investigation into Imran Khan's health shows a clear gap between the government's statements and the evidence provided by his doctors and family.
Finding 1: There is no disagreement that Khan’s vision has been damaged; the dispute is over who is responsible.
Finding 2: The global pressure from cricket legends has likely forced a faster response from the Pakistani government.
Finding 3: The move to a hospital and the creation of a medical board are the immediate steps being taken to stop further health loss.
The next steps involve the findings of the newly formed medical board. Their report will likely determine if the 85% vision loss can be repaired or if the damage is permanent.
Sources and Context
The Athletic (NYT): Imran Khan: Cricket legends sign letter - Context: Focuses on the 14 international signatories and the 85% vision loss.
Sky News: Legendary cricketers call for humane treatment - Context: Provides details on the English captains involved and the location of Adiala prison.
India TV: Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis call for urgent care - Context: Details on the government's plan to shift Khan to a hospital.
WION: Wasim, Waqar, Afridi extend concern - Context: Highlights the reactions from Pakistani cricket icons.
Live Mint: Rally for Imran Khan's medical treatment - Context: Reports on Kasim Khan's social media announcement regarding his father's sight.
Firstpost: Wasim Akram reacts to Imran Khan vision loss - Context: Focuses on the "heartbreaking" nature of the news for Khan's former teammates.
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