Hindustan Times ST (Jaipur)

Cricket fraternity congratula­tes Captain Imran

- Press Trust of India sportsdesk@hindustant­imes.com

They couldn’t stop gushing about Imran Khan’s leadership prowess as Pakistani cricketers -- past and present -congratula­ted the World Cupwinning former captain for leading his party to power in the country’s general elections.

“Congratula­ting the new Prime Minister of our Country. It was all very formal but I still got to call him Skipper.#ImranKhanP­rimeMinist­er,” tweeted Wasim Akram.

“A cricketer who became a politician? Or a man who was born to serve this nation, protect our people and lead us in to our own. And one day they will say, that this same man was once a phenomenal cricketer. The time is now for change, Our country Our history!,” read one of his earlier tweets, lauding Imran’s journey.

Imran’s Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) has emerged as the single largest party in the polls but is short of the majority mark. Imran currently leads the race to be the country’s next Prime Minister. Another former teammate Waqar Younis was equally effusive in his praise of the man who first spotted his talent after watching him for just a few minutes on TV.

“A special speech from a Great Leader..Very simple, honest and practical..Feeling so proud to be a student of such a Mentor.. Congratula­tions Skipper,” he tweeted after Imran’s rousing TV address to the nation after the results came out on Thursday.

Shahid Afridi and pacer Mohammad Amir also congratula­ted the former cricketer, who has demigod status in the country and is fondly called the ‘Kaptaan’.

“Congrats PTI and @ImranKhanP­TI on a truly historic victory! The 22 yr old struggle has finally paid off & deservedly. Pakistanis have a lot of expectatio­ns from u I really hope u lead from the front! I request all opposing parties& media to accept the result and help rebuild,” the recently-retired Afridi tweeted.

“Congrats to @ImranKhanP­TI i hope u guys will do the best for pakistani nation INSHALLAH,” added Amir.

NEW DELHI:

 ?? AP ?? THEN AND NOW: Imran Khan inspired Pakistan to their only World Cup in 1992. Now, he has a different, perhaps more complex job.
AP THEN AND NOW: Imran Khan inspired Pakistan to their only World Cup in 1992. Now, he has a different, perhaps more complex job.

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