It may sound ironic. The man who ruled Pakistan cricket with an iron hand should advocate democracy in public life. As he takes decisive steps towards becoming Pakistan’s Prime Minister, it is time to take a retrospective look at Imran Khan, the cricketer, who displayed fine leadership skills.
Imran’s career took shape on the strength of his individual all-round brilliance in a team game. There was Imran Khan. And then there was the rest, flocking behind him, revelling in his shadow, celebrating glory that was often crafted by his talent.
His charisma was infectious. With Imran on the field, each member of the side backed himself to be a winner. Long before he had begun his foray into politics, his proteges — Wasim Akram, Rameez Raja and Waqar Younis — acknowledged Imran as a born-leader as his presence in the dressing room served as an inspiration.
Dreaming big
Imran always wanted his team to dream big. He was also a law unto himself and he got the cricketers he wanted. He raised a team that lost a World Cup-winning chance at home in 1987, but wrested the next in Australia during 1992. Setting aside his retirement, Imran forged his squad into a formidable combination. He was strong and calm, and motivated the players.
His ability to identify natural talent was legendary and Pakistan cricket prospered. Taufiq Ahmed and Waqar, to name a few, were picked by Imran on first sight. Abdul Qadir ruled the 22 yards because he had Imran’s support. But nothing can beat his move to summon an 18-year-old Zahid Fazal for the Wills Trophy in Sharjah in 1991. Fazal flew in hours before the final against India and scored a defining 98!
Imran was captain-supreme and the selectors hardly mattered. He was, as some of his players would confess privately, an autocrat. But they loved the autocrat because he taught them to win. Now as a politician, Imran has emerged as a man who continues to write his destiny.