Born in Lahore, Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi was a former Pakistani cricketer and a politician who, in his late 60s, became the 22nd Prime Minister of his country. Before serving as the leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran was one of the best all-rounders in the history of cricket. 

He started his cricketing career at 16 when he debuted for the Lahore-based First-Class side. Then the all-rounder went on to play County cricket for Worcestershire and Sussex during 1971-76 and 1983-88, respectively.

After debuting in Tests and ODI’s in Edgbaston and Trent Bridge, respectively, Khan was famous for his open-chested bowling action. But, without any doubt, he was one of the lethal reverse swing bowlers of his era. Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis were his proteges.

The canny reverse swing operator took over the captaincy from Javed Miandad in 1982. He led his side to new heights across all formats. His successful stint as captain started at Lord’s where Pakistan beat England after 28 years on English soil.

The Lahore-born hit his career-high as captain when he led Pakistan to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup. 

The World Cup-winning captain has a record for having the best figures (6/14) on a losing cause in ODI’s, which is still unbroken.

(As of July 2022)