OTD | The Man who guided Pakistan to their only ODI World Cup title, Imran Khan was born in 1952

Today Pakistan’s greatest-ever cricketer is celebrating his 71st birthday. Pakistan’s former captain who rode them to the ultimate glory, Imran Khan, was born today in an affluent family in Lahore. 

Imran Khan made his first-class debut at the very early age of 16 and took the domestic circuit by surprise. His talent helped him earn his maiden national team call-up for a tour to England. He had some experience of playing in English conditions as he was studying in England while continuing Cricket. His performances helped him make his place in the ODI. His bandwagon had just taken off.

Imran Khan was a trailblazer when it came to reverse swing. He started off a great tradition of reverse bowling which is a much-cherished craft. When at his peak he would be deadly, dismissing any batsman at his will. When Imran Khan was at the best of his skills, he was handed over the captaincy when he replaced Javed Miandad.

Khan guided Pakistan to its first-ever Test series victory in India in 1987. Pakistan also won their first series in England in that same year. His team also managed three respectable draws against the West Indies in the 1980s. In the 1987 Cricket World Cup, which was co-hosted by India and Pakistan, he led the team. Khan ended his career in international cricket after that World Cup. But at the request of Pakistan’s former President, Zia-ul-Haq, he returned to international cricket. 

After his return, he did something which summed up his career. In the 1992 World Cup in Australia, Khan led Pakistan to the pinnacle of cricket. He led his side to a World Cup victory which has yet not been repeated. Imran Khan gave Pakistan moments to cherish for a lifetime. His legacy will keep burning the aspirations in the hearts of millions of Pakistanis.