Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has urged the government to give former Prime Minister Imran Khan “fair treatment.” He said he misses Khan as a friend, mentor and leader.
Akram made the remarks during the “Old Boys, New Balls” podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by former England captain Ian Botham.
During the discussion, Akram thanked former international cricket captains who recently signed a petition supporting Imran Khan. He acknowledged their efforts to raise concerns about the former Pakistan captain.
Akram said he missed Khan personally as a friend and mentor. He also said people in Pakistan missed him as a leader.
The former fast bowler also commented on Khan’s absence from public view. He said they had not seen Khan’s picture for around three years.
Akram was a key member of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning team. The team was led by Imran Khan, who lifted the country’s first and only ODI World Cup trophy.
Reflecting on his former captain, Akram called for Khan to receive treatment similar to that given to other politicians in the past. He also expressed hope that Khan would be released soon.
Akram said the nation was behind the former prime minister. His comments add to growing international cricket voices discussing Khan’s situation.
The remarks come weeks after 21 former international cricket captains renewed their appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. They called for appropriate medical treatment for Khan.
The former captains urged authorities to ensure that Khan receives medical care in line with directions issued by the Supreme Court.
On August 18, a three-member Supreme Court bench ordered Adiala Jail authorities to transfer Khan to Shifa Hospital. The order directed authorities to arrange his medical assessment and treatment within two days.
Khan was instead taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, commonly known as PIMS. Doctors from Shifa International Hospital were also present during the medical process, according to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
Tarar said Khan’s examination was conducted in the presence of his sister and his doctors. A team of specialists also examined him.
The medical team included an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician. The government later said the doctors declared Khan medically fit.
PTI subsequently filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court. The party alleged that the government had failed to comply with the court’s order regarding Khan’s hospital transfer.
Khan, who is 73, has remained in jail since August 2023. He was convicted in several cases during his imprisonment.
Khan and PTI have repeatedly rejected the cases against him as politically motivated. The government has maintained its own position regarding the legal proceedings.
Wasim Akram’s latest comments have brought renewed attention to Khan’s situation within the international cricket community. His relationship with Khan dates back to Pakistan’s successful 1992 World Cup campaign.
Akram’s call for fair treatment also comes as former cricket figures continue to raise concerns about Khan’s health and legal circumstances. The issue remains politically sensitive in Pakistan.
His remarks are likely to generate further discussion among cricket fans and political observers. They also highlight the continued connection between Khan’s cricketing legacy and his political career.
Also read: Imad Wasim Mimics Another Footballer’s Goal Celebration
