KARACHI: Many of sports’ legendary figures in Pakistan have expressed hope that the graph of cricket, hockey, squash and other sports could see a significant rise and revival in the tenure of former cricket captain-turned-politician Imran Khan who will be taking over as the new prime minister in the next few days after his party Tehreek-e-Insaaf swept a majority of seats in the polls held earlier this week.

“He [Imran] has a very broad vision and I strongly believe that under him, not only cricket and hockey will flourish but all the other sports as well,” said Pakistan’s legendary hockey captain Islahuddin Siddiqui here on Friday.

He added that it has been a great achievement for the sports community that one of its greatest players is all set to lead the country and could bring Pakistan sports out of the current state of crisis.

Islahuddin, who led Pakistan to World Cup glory in 1978 and to many other world titles in his impressive career, congratulated Imran over his victory in the general elections. “I wish Imran all the best in his tenure as the country’s PM,” he said.

Jahangir, Islah, Miandad back Imran to boost sporting standards in Pakistan

Another legendary player, the ‘Unsquashable’ Jahangir Khan said that he is not only hoping a turnaround in sports but in all aspects of the country under Imran.

“I feel confident and hope the country will be brought on the right track under Imran in all aspects including including sports,” said Jahangir who won the British Open squash for a record 10 times besides hundreds of other major titles in his illustrious career.

He said that not only Imran but his entire team in the PTI have a great vision to bring the country back on track. “I wish Imran the very best for his tenure in the governments,” he said.

Imran’s former team-mate Javed Miandad, who is among the greatest batsmen ever to have played the game, also backed Imran and said: “He [Imran] is a well-educated

man and is fully capable of giving this nation a definite direction.

“I am confident that Imran will not only work to boost sports but will do well in governance.”

Miandad went on to add: “I haven’t known anyone who has so many interests in lfe and excels in them. He [Imran] would go for mountaineering and had many friends who were writers and authors. He is a very knowledgeable man and I feel that if anyone has the merit to run Pakistan, it is none other than Imran Khan.”

Miandad, however, added that Imran has been a changed man since his mother died of cancer. “Establishing a cancer hospital like Shaukat Khanum was not an easy job by any means. But he accomplished the impossible task and is doing great service to the country through his hsopital.

“I have played with him [Imran] and nobody knows him better than me,” said Miandad. “He has always played for Pakistan and I can give you many examples of his patriotism and sincerity with his country.

“All of us wish Imran the very best in his plans and for his five-year tenure as the PM,” he concluded.

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2018