The 73-year-old former prime minister and cricket captain of Pakistan, Imran Khan, has been detained since August 2023 on charges of corruption. He was found guilty and given a 14-year prison sentence. The international cricket community is becoming increasingly concerned about Khan’s health as he is being jailed at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
Twenty-one former cricket players wrote to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last week pleading with him to treat Imran humanely. They wrote after it became clear that Imran was sent to the hospital at the top court’s request, but the medical staff didn’t provide him much care. The examination was completed in a flash.
In a podcast on the Grade Cricketer Clips and The Grade Cricketer, Chappell, a key player in both petitions, said that the 1992 World Cup-winning captain was having difficulties.
He said, “At the moment, he’s not getting any better. You know, from a physical point of view, it’s hard to get information but I saw a video clip the other day, I’m assuming, of his latest trip to hospital where he was put into a wheelchair to get him to, from wherever he was, to wherever he was going, and he didn’t look well at all. He didn’t look robust. He didn’t look like he could really… get around very much.”
He further added, “I mean, 73 years of age, so obviously, you know, he’s getting older, but, you know, I met up with him in Pakistan 6 years ago, and he was still a strong, robust older man. That’s not the case anymore. His right eye apparently [has developed a disability]… he’s struggling. He’s been in isolation for 3 years.”
Khan’s attorney claims that by February 2026, he will have lost 85% of his vision in his right eye owing to central retinal vein blockage. Since October 2025, the illness has been linked to postponed medical care. In January 2026, Khan had an eye operation in a government hospital; however, his hospital stay, which was mandated by the Supreme Court, was short-lived as he was sent back to prison.
The Aussie further added, “So, that’s not good for your mental health, and you know, as your mental health deteriorates, your physical health is going to deteriorate. He doesn’t have access, or his family doesn’t have access. I don’t know how anyone deals with that.”
Khan’s health issue has been made worse by his prolonged seclusion and limited access to necessities. Chappell voiced concern about the effects of extended incarceration on mental and physical health, especially for a person of Khan’s age and past stature.
