'I don't know how anyone deals with that' - Greg Chappell concerned over Imran Khan's condition

Imran Khan, the 73-year-old former Pakistan cricket captain and prime minister, has been imprisoned since August 2023 on corruption charges. He was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment after being found guilty. Khan remains held in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where his health has become a growing concern among the international cricket community.

Former Australian cricketer Greg Chappell has publicly expressed alarm at Khan's physical and mental state following recent observations. Chappell spoke on The Grade Cricketer podcast, describing the visible decline in the Pakistan legend's condition over the past six years.

"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." Chappell said.

Chappell observes Khan's physical decline

Chappell recalled meeting Khan in Pakistan approximately six years ago, when the former World Cup-winning captain appeared physically strong and mentally resilient. The contrast with Khan's current state has deeply troubled Chappell, who witnessed Khan's transformation firsthand.

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"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," Chappell added.

Khan has reportedly suffered significant vision loss in his right eye due to central retinal vein occlusion, with his lawyer reporting 85 percent vision loss by February 2026. The condition was attributed to delayed medical treatment since October 2025. Khan underwent an eye procedure at a government hospital in January 2026, but a Supreme Court-ordered hospital stay lasted only a few hours before he was returned to jail.

The toll of prolonged isolation

The extended isolation and restricted access to basic amenities have compounded Khan's health crisis. Chappell expressed concern about how prolonged confinement affects both mental and physical wellbeing, particularly for someone of Khan's age and former stature.

"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," the Aussie noted.

Chappell concluded with a stark observation about the severity of Khan's situation.

"I don't know how anyone deals with that."

The remark underscored the former cricketer's belief that Khan's circumstances represent an extraordinary hardship that few could endure.