Naeem Bukhari Said Came True

Imran Khan became an inspiration to youngsters for venturing into cricket on an international level. He rose to popularity with his amazing talent as one of the finest cricketers Pakistan has ever produced. His journey of transforming from the biggest heartthrob of cricket to an influential politician is highly impressive and motivating. He is credited for leading Pakistan to its first ever Cricket World Cup title in 1992, defeating England, thereby being termed as the most successful and prominent cricket captain of Pakistan. This champion cricketer surprised the world as an exceptional fast bowler and a great all-rounder, thus giving cricket an all-new form in the country. He excelled not just in the cricketing arena, but also in the political world and social ground. He retired from cricket in 1992 and entered politics by forming his own party – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Movement for Justice). He established the first cancer hospital, in Lahore, after losing his mother to the deadly disease, treating the poor for free. He is involved in raising funds for various health and educational projects, coming out a helping hand for the underprivileged and deserving. Imran Khan Niazi was born on November 25, 1952 in Lahore, into a well-off Pashtun family to Ikramullah Khan Niazi and Shaukat Khanam. He completed his schooling from English-medium Aitchison College, Lahore, and went to Royal Grammar School Worcester, England, to pursue higher studies. He graduated in philosophy, politics and economics from Keble College, University of Oxford, in 1975. Hailing from a cricketing family, he played the game as a teenager in Pakistan and continued in England. He made his test debut in the 1971 English series in Birmingham, but failed to make a mark due to his not-so-good performance. In 1974, he debuted in One Day International (ODI) in the Prudential Trophy and was selected in the national team after returning to Pakistan. His splendid performance against New Zealand and Australia during 1976-77 added to his rapid success, which made him a prominent fast bowler in Pakistan during the 1980s. He was chosen as the captain of Pakistan cricket team in 1982. He performed stupendously as a fast bowler and all-rounder, leading his team to its first Test victory against England, at Lord’s, after 28 years. Under his captaincy, Pakistan won 14 out of 48 test matches played, losing out on 8 and 26 resulting in a draw. In the ODI version, he played 139 matches, with 77 wins, 57 losses, and one tie. A stress fracture in his shin kept him away from cricket for two years. He returned and gave Pakistan its first ever Test series win against India in 1987, followed by Test series win in England. He retired in 1987, but returned in 1988, upon Pakistan President General Zia-ul-Haq’s request. He won a Test series against West Indies and was declared ‘Man of the Series’ for his 23-wicket haul in 3 tests. In 1991, he established Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust, a charity organization associated with research and development of cancer and other related diseases, named after his mother. He retired from cricket in 1992, with 3807 runs and 362 wickets in tests and 3709 runs and 182 wickets in ODI. He entered politics in 1997 by setting up his own party ‘Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’ (PTI), as an initiative to eradicate mismanagement and corruption in Pakistan. He contested in October 2002 elections and was elected as a Member Parliament from Mianwali.