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IMRAN KHAN
Imran Khan (One of
the greatest all rounder) was born on 25 November 1952 in Lahore,
Pakistan. He grew up in Zaman Park where cricket was a great part
of his family life, his cousins Javed Burki and Majid Khan later
captained Pakistan.
Imran was educated at the most prestigious Aitchison College of Lahore. There he proved
to be a fine batsman and made his first class test debut for
Lahore against Sarghodha at the age of sixteen as a batsman.
He started his career in England, 1971 at the age of 18 year old
but only got to play one match. He was not successful in that
match but he left an impression on Worcestershire and later they
signed him.
Imran studied at Worcester and then went onto study Oxford in
1972, where Benazir Bhutto was his classmate. He was elected
captain of Oxford in 1974 one of the first overseas captain in
English country but gave up the captaincy in 1975 to concentrate
on final exams.
He started playing for Worcestershire in 1975 after completing his
education and in 1977 moved to Sussex and served them for a long
period.
His star status was established during the 1980's and crowds
mobbed him wherever he went. All young budding cricketers wanted
to be like him and he also had a great female following. Imran was
not expecting this sort of adulation and his parents made him
realise that he should always keep his feet firmly on the ground
and that this was all bestowed upon him by God.
Imran was declared the international cricketer of the year in
1989-90
Imran's desire was to be recognised as the best all rounder in
Pakistan. His desire was fulfilled but not only as the greatest in
Pakistan but all over the world. In his peak, he was considered
the fastest bowler in the world.
Imran was made captain of the Pakistan team in 1982 and led the
Pakistani team under his captaincy to victory over every other
cricketing country in the world.
He molded them into a great team through his skills and
understanding and taught them what team spirit was and made the
players give their best instead of just playing for themselves.
In 82-83 Pakistan slaughtered Australia by beating them three
times in a row.
In 1985 when Imran came out of his two year gap due to his injury,
he was still Pakistan's best bowler and won the test series
against Sri Lanka at home 2-0.
Imran led the Pakistani team to it's first victory against India
on their home soil.
Imran's greatest achievement was to beat West Indies but the
86-87, 87-88 & 90-91 series were all drawn under his captaincy,
however the highlight of the 86-87
tour was Imrans' amazing 6-46 at Karachi.
Pakistan beat England away in 1987, this was Pakistan's first test
victory over England.
Imran retired from cricket after the 1987 world cup, and came out
of retirement in 1988 after being pressurised by President Zia and
the public to lead the country.
He captained Pakistan in the world cup in 1992 which they won in
his leadership. He put confidence in young chaps such as Wasim,
Inzamamul and they delivered him what he was looking for.
Imran played greatly all throughout the championship and it was
his 72 that was the decisive innings in Pakistan's victory, which
made Pakistani's in all corners of the world feel really proud.
He has great faith in Waqar and Wasim Akram and forcasted that
they will be great cricketer.
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