Brief profile of Imran Khan by Ateeq Abdul Rauf

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Player:

Imran Khan

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DateLine: 21st February 2005

 

Imran was arguably Pakistan cricket’s greatest. Determined, aggressive and astute, Imran captained Pakistan to their only World Cup trophy in 1992.

 

Such was the hero worship of Imran that in the late 80s and early 90s that every child interested in cricket would have 'Imran' on his lips. Two such youngsters who later went on to become greats on their own were Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, who under Imran’s tutelage became polished professionals.

 

As the name of one of his autobiographies would suggest, Imran was an allrounder who worked hours on his craft diligently. He was one of the few Pakistani to play in Kerry Packer’s World Series. Under his guidance, a team of talented individuals became world beaters. Fittingly, Imran ended his career by taking a wicket of his last ball – a wicket that meant Pakistan became world-champions. Imran was ranked as Number 8 on ESPN’s legends of cricket.

 

Imran hung up his boots in 1992 to devote his life to building a cancer hospital in Lahore in the memory of his mother. He later opted for a career in politics which he continues to pursue to this day.

 

(Article: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only.
Copyright © 2005 Ateeq Abdul Rauf email:ateeqar@gmail.com)