'Get well soon, skipper': Pakistan's cricket fraternity voices concern over Imran Khan's vision loss

'Get well soon, skipper': Pakistan's cricket fraternity voices concern over Imran Khan's vision loss

Cricket

Pakistan cricket stars including Wasim Akram, Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar voice concern after court reveals Imran Khan has only 15% vision in his right eye and call for urgent medical treatment.

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LAHORE (Web Desk) – Pakistan’s cricket fraternity has rallied around former captain Imran Khan after court proceedings revealed serious deterioration in his eyesight, with multiple former teammates and stars calling for urgent and proper medical treatment while the World Cup-winning captain remains in custody.

During proceedings, the Supreme Court of Pakistan was informed that the former skipper, currently jailed at Adiala Jail, retains only 15 percent vision in his right eye. The disclosure triggered political reaction as well as strong messages of concern and support from some of the country’s most recognisable cricket figures, who have urged authorities to ensure immediate and comprehensive medical care.

Several cricket stars have publicly expressed worry and extended prayers and good wishes for his recovery, repeatedly stressing that access to medical treatment is a basic right.

Imran Khan moves court for bail, cites 85pc vision loss in right eye

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram, a key member of the 1992 World Cup-winning squad, described the news as heartbreaking. In a public message, he said it was deeply upsetting to hear that his former skipper was facing serious health issues and called on authorities to treat the matter with urgency and responsibility. He added that he hoped Imran Khan would receive the best possible medical care and wished him strength and a speedy recovery.

Former captain Waqar Younis also set aside politics in his remarks, referring to Imran Khan as a national hero who delivered Pakistan’s greatest cricketing triumph and founded a cancer hospital that has helped thousands of patients. He requested that relevant authorities ensure timely and appropriate treatment, repeating the message: “Get well soon, skipper.”

Ex-captain Shahid Afridi, currently in Bahrain, responded to questions about the situation by saying that health care is a fundamental human right. He stated that this right must be fully available to Imran Khan and that he and his family should be allowed to arrange treatment from wherever they consider appropriate. Afridi also shared and endorsed earlier interview remarks in which he stressed that medical treatment must be provided without delay and according to need.

Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said he was deeply saddened to learn about the reported loss of eyesight. Writing on X, he noted that he had spent the last three months in the United States raising funds for the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, founded by Imran Khan.

Akhtar said the news about the deterioration in vision was distressing and expressed hope that the former captain would receive the best treatment available, along with prayers for a swift recovery.

Former Pakistan captain and all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez described the reports as disturbing and called Imran Khan an undisputed legend of the game, offering prayers for full recovery.

Ex-captain and commentator Ramiz Raja said seeing Imran Khan suffer and lose sight in one eye was emotionally overwhelming, adding that he hoped suffering would be reduced and humanitarian considerations would prevail.