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Former Australian captain Greg Chappell has raised concerns over Imran Khan's deteriorating health and the conditions in which the former Pakistan captain has been held in prison. His comments have now received support from current Australian Test captain Pat Cummins, while Usman Khawaja has also criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to complain to Sky Sports.
Greg Chappell was among a group of former international captains who recently appealed to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over Imran Khan's medical treatment and welfare. The issue has gained further attention after Sky Sports aired an interview with Khan's sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, during the England-Pakistan Test at Lord's.
Greg Chappell gives update on Imran Khan's health
Greg Chappell has provided a concerning update on the health of his former international rival and friend Imran Khan. Speaking on The Grade Cricketer podcast, Chappell recalled meeting Imran Khan in Pakistan six years ago and said the former Pakistan captain no longer appeared to be the same physically strong person.
“I mean, 73 years of age, so obviously, you know, he’s getting older, but I met up with him in Pakistan six 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 three years,” Chappell said.
Chappell also spoke about a recent video that he believed showed Khan being taken to hospital in a wheelchair. He said the former Pakistan captain did not appear to be in good physical condition.
“At the moment, he’s not getting any better. 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 from wherever he was to wherever he was going,” Chappell added.
“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 said.
Pat Cummins supports Imran Khan, calls for medical assessment
Pat Cummins has now publicly backed Chappell and the other former international captains who have called for Imran Khan to receive appropriate medical care. The Australia captain shared his support on X after Chappell's latest comments.
“Adding my support here to GC and the other former international captains. I hope the court ordered medical assessment be allowed to run its course, and that family visits continue. I hope Imran Khan is treated with the dignity anyone deserves,” Cummins wrote.
Adding my support here to GC and the other former international captains. I hope the court ordered medical assessment be allowed to run its course, and that family visits continue. I hope Imran Khan is treated with the dignity anyone deserves https://t.co/L1L512wXao
— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) August 28, 2026
Pat Cummins' comments came as concerns surrounding Khan's health continued to grow, with 22 former international captains, including several former Indian captains, renewing their appeal for proper medical treatment.
Usman Khawaja backs Imran Khan amid PCB-Sky Sports row
The controversy surrounding Imran Khan has also spilled into the ongoing England-Pakistan Test series at Lord's. Sky Sports broadcast an interview with Khan's sons during the lunch interval on the first day, with the pair discussing their father's health and conditions in prison.
The PCB subsequently lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports and reportedly considered whether Pakistan's players should return to the field after lunch in protest. The team eventually resumed play.
Australian batter Usman Khawaja reacted to the PCB's move on Instagram, sharing his blunt assessment of the controversy.
“This has got to be a joke,” Khawaja commented.
Usman Khawaja on the PCB filing a complaint against Sky Sports.
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) August 28, 2026
- "This has got to be a joke." pic.twitter.com/gfFiaHu0BX
