Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has joined a growing list of cricketing legends expressing concern over the health of former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan.
In a wide-ranging interview with The Athletic, Akram said he misses “his mentor Imran Khan” a lot, while stressing that his comments were being made as a friend.
ALSO READ | Gavaskar, Kapil Dev Among Former Cricket Captains Urging Humane Treatment For Jailed Imran Khan
"He's my friend, I miss him a lot," Akram said. "I haven't spoken to him for three years. It's so unfortunate, politically, what's happening with him. The court of law is the court of law. But as far as his health is concerned, there can be no compromise on that."
Akram's remarks come amid growing concern over Imran's health, with several former and current cricketing figures publicly calling for better access to medical care and his family.
Cricketing World Raises Concern Over Imran Khan
Over the past few months, concern surrounding Imran's health has intensified among the international cricket community.
A group of 22 cricket captains recently wrote an open letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, calling for Imran's basic dignity and needs to be respected. The captains also sought access to his personal doctor and family.
Australia captain Pat Cummins became the first current international captain to publicly raise concerns.
Former West Indies batting great Brian Lara also spoke about Imran earlier this week, describing him as “a legend of our game” who deserved “basic humanity”.
Javed Miandad, Moin Khan And Ramiz Raja Speak Up
There have also been growing calls for action from within Pakistan.
Former Pakistan batter Javed Miandad was among the first prominent voices to speak publicly about Imran's situation. In an emotional plea, Miandad called for Imran's release from prison and urged the government and the former Prime Minister to resolve their differences.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Moin Khan and former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja subsequently joined those speaking out over Imran's health.
Imran Khan's Sons Raise Health Concerns
The issue also came into focus during the ongoing England-Pakistan Test series.
Sky Sports, the broadcaster covering the series, interviewed Imran's two sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, during lunch on the first day of the Lord's Test. The two said they feared for their father's life while he remains in prison.
According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) complained to Sky Sports, resulting in the interview being briefly delayed. The reports also said the PCB discussed the possibility of the Pakistan team not taking the field in protest.
The interview eventually went ahead during lunch on day one, and Pakistan took the field as scheduled.
Then Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and captain Babar Azam said they were unaware of the issue.
Akram referenced that interview. "There was a bit of uproar here [in Pakistan] after that. I then read that the Pakistani government came up with how many visits Imran has had, with all the numbers included, with all the phone calls he has had. But, you know, it's difficult to believe, and hard to know what to believe right now," the 60-year-old said.
"Even after we retired, him and me, we were regularly in touch. I used to go and spend time with him. I miss talking to him. I miss him in general as a friend, politics apart," he added.
Akram's Special Bond With Imran Khan
Akram's comments carry particular significance given his long-standing relationship with Imran.
Imran Khan played an important role during the early stages of Akram's career and has regularly been credited by the former fast bowler as his mentor. Akram has previously spoken about how Imran helped develop and shape his cricketing career.
Khan, meanwhile, has consistently maintained that Akram was the most naturally gifted cricketer he had ever encountered.
Akram made it clear that his latest comments were about Imran as a friend, rather than in any political capacity.
Court Order Adds To Health Concerns
The recent wave of concern has intensified after a court ordered that Imran be admitted to a specific hospital.
The court also ordered that his personal physician and sister be allowed to meet him.
"There's a movement in England and elsewhere [to improve Imran's conditions], but here [in Pakistan]? I'm not so sure," said Wasim.
ALSO READ | What Babar Azam Said On Pakistan's Alleged Protest During Lord's Test After Imran Khan's Sons' Interview
"I'm speaking from the heart as someone who is worried about him as a person. Convicted or not convicted. Jail or no jail. We need to safeguard his health. We don't know what's happening, the government are saying his health apparently is fine. But I'm worried. I miss him a lot," Akram concluded.
Against that backdrop, Akram has now added his voice to those calling attention to the former Pakistan captain's health, saying he misses the mentor who played such an important role in the early stages of his career.
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
