A visionary captain and an even better leader, Imran Khan is widely considered Pakistan’s greatest-ever cricketer. In 1992, he led Pakistan to its first Cricket World Cup title at the age of 39, becoming the oldest captain to lift the coveted trophy. Fast forward to 2026, and Imran is currently in prison. After serving as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 to 2022, the 73-year-old received multiple prison terms following his removal from office.
Amid concerns over his health, several former cricketers and Imran’s associates have written to the Pakistan government, urging it to ensure proper medical treatment for the legendary all-rounder.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, former India batter Wasim Jaffer said that if he had to pick an Asia Test XI, he would choose Imran Khan as the captain of the side. He also named Sachin Tendulkar as the vice-captain.
However, Jaffer grabbed the spotlight by picking Rishabh Pant ahead of the legendary MS Dhoni as the wicketkeeper in his team.
“For a Test match, my captain would be Imran Khan. My vice-captain would be Sachin Tendulkar. MS? I think my team would not even have MS Dhoni. For me, Rishabh Pant would get into the team,” said Jaffer.
Jaffer also backed the appeal by 22 former international cricket captains to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, seeking proper medical treatment for Imran.
“Giving him better treatment is basic; he’s a source of pride for Pakistan. He won them the World Cup; he was a great player, captain, and leader. He could have easily gone and settled in England or somewhere else, but he stayed and fought to improve things for his country. It’s the right initiative. He was a fantastic cricketer and a role model. Even today, the players from the 90s rate him as one of the best leaders in world cricket. The way he bowled, batted, and led his team was exceptional. He was an Oxford Blue, an educated man, and he’s done so much for his country,” he added.
Jaffer also recalled his only meeting with Imran, praising him for his work as Pakistan’s prime minister.
“I got to meet him in 2006, and we also visited his cancer hospital, the Shaukat Khanum Hospital. It’s an amazing facility where poor people get treatment for free or at very low cost. He’s done so much for Pakistan… He was a great leader, a visionary. It’s just Pakistan’s misfortune that he was not the Prime Minister for a long time,” said Imran.
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