‘No Compromise on Imran Khan’s Health,’ Wasim Akram Says
LAHORE, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram has expressed concern over the health of his former captain, mentor and friend Imran Khan, saying his legal circumstances should not prevent him from receiving appropriate medical care.
Speaking in an interview with The Athletic, Akram said he had not spoken to Imran for three years but remained worried about the former Pakistan captain and prime minister.
Akram said legal matters should be left to the courts, but stressed that “there can be no compromise” when it comes to Imran’s health.
His remarks add one of Pakistan cricket’s most prominent voices to growing calls from former international players for authorities to safeguard Imran’s health and ensure appropriate medical treatment.
‘Imran Khan Was My Mentor’
Akram spoke in deeply personal terms about his relationship with the man who captained Pakistan to its historic 1992 Cricket World Cup victory.
“Imran Khan was my mentor,” Akram said, describing the former captain as a friend whom he misses.
The former fast bowler said they had not spoken for around three years.
Akram played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup triumph under Imran, including producing a match-defining spell in the final against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Imran’s influence on Akram extended well beyond that tournament. The former captain played a major role in the left-arm pacer’s development into one of international cricket’s most celebrated fast bowlers.
Akram Separates Health From Legal Cases
Akram was careful to distinguish his concern about Imran’s wellbeing from the former prime minister’s legal and political battles.
He said courts should deal with legal proceedings, while medical treatment should be viewed separately.
Speaking about Imran’s situation, Akram said his concern was for him “as a person”, irrespective of whether he was convicted or imprisoned.
The distinction is significant because Akram’s comments were focused primarily on health and humane treatment rather than the merits of any particular criminal case.
Imran has faced convictions in multiple cases, while he and his party have rejected allegations of wrongdoing and challenged proceedings against him.
‘I’m Worried. I Miss Him a Lot’
Akram also acknowledged uncertainty about Imran’s current medical condition.
He noted that the government has maintained that the former prime minister’s health is satisfactory, but said he remained personally concerned.
Akram added that he misses his former captain and wants his health safeguarded.
The government has rejected allegations that Imran is being denied appropriate healthcare and says he is receiving medical facilities in accordance with applicable prison rules.
Claims concerning Imran’s medical condition and treatment have remained politically contested, making careful attribution particularly important.
Cricket Legends Raise Concerns
Akram’s comments follow appeals from several prominent figures in international cricket.
A group of 22 former international captains recently wrote to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, calling for Imran to receive appropriate medical treatment and humane treatment.
The letter raised concerns surrounding a medical examination and the implementation of court directions relating to his healthcare.
According to reports, the signatories sought appropriate access to medical treatment recommended by doctors and called for Imran’s dignity and basic rights to be respected.
An earlier appeal in February had also involved former international cricketers expressing concern over his health.
Pat Cummins and Brian Lara Among Voices of Concern
The issue has increasingly attracted attention outside Pakistan.
Australian captain Pat Cummins has supported calls for Imran to receive appropriate medical assessment and treatment, while West Indies great Brian Lara has also expressed concern.
Former Pakistan players have also spoken publicly about their former captain.
The growing intervention from the cricket community reflects Imran’s unique international profile as both a former political leader and one of Pakistan’s most recognised sporting figures.
From 1992 World Cup Glory to Political Divide
For Akram, however, the relationship is rooted primarily in cricket.
Imran captained Pakistan during one of the most celebrated periods in the country’s sporting history and helped develop a generation of fast bowlers, with Akram becoming perhaps the most prominent.
Pakistan entered the 1992 World Cup as an inconsistent side before staging a dramatic recovery and eventually defeating England in the final.
Akram played a decisive role, scoring a quick 33 and taking three wickets, including the famous dismissals of Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis.
The tournament cemented both Imran and Akram’s places in Pakistan cricket history.
That background helps explain why Akram framed his latest comments around friendship and mentorship rather than party politics.
Imran Khan Remains in Adiala Jail
Imran, now 73, remains imprisoned at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi amid continuing legal proceedings and political disputes.
His family and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders have repeatedly raised concerns over his health and access to doctors.
The government has disputed allegations of inadequate medical care.
Because the two sides continue to offer conflicting accounts, independent confirmation of all claims surrounding his current condition remains important.
Akram himself acknowledged that uncertainty, saying he did not know precisely what was happening but remained worried.
Akram’s Message Focuses on Medical Care
Akram’s intervention is notable because he has largely avoided becoming publicly involved in the political controversy surrounding his former captain.
His latest comments do not call for Imran’s release, overturning his convictions or a particular political outcome.
Instead, his central argument is narrower: whatever the status of Imran’s court cases, his health should be protected and appropriate medical care ensured.
That message places Akram alongside a growing group of international cricket figures who have sought to separate concerns about Imran’s health and treatment from Pakistan’s broader political and judicial disputes.
For one of the most famous members of Imran’s 1992 World Cup-winning team, the issue remains deeply personal.
As Akram put it, Imran was not only his captain but his mentor and friend — someone he says he still misses after three years without contact.
