Imran Khan talks Indo-Pak ties and reveals he respects Sonia Gandhi a lot!

He also pointed out security is a huge concern and that they need more domestic tournaments to filter out the cream of talents in the country

By: Ankit Banerjee |
October 15, 2017 3:37 pm

Former Pakistan cricketing legend Imran Khan is the most celebrated Pakistani cricketer. He was instrumental in guiding and leading Pakistan to its maiden and only World Cup title in 1992. After retiring from cricket, the Pakistani all-rounder took a keen interest in politics, looking at the bad state of Pakistan as a country. Pakistan has been plagued by the curse of terrorism and Imran Khan is looking to do good for the people of Pakistan. He is the chief of Tehreek-e-Insaf. He has been in news quite often for taking a firm stand against the ruling government. But recently he spoke about India Pakistan cricket ties and also about Indian politicians.

WORLD CUP TRIUMPH

“Even though Pakistan has won the World Cup, I’m still not satisfied with the internal structure of the sport, a major reason why several talented cricketers fail to make it to the national team. Back in 1992, I tried to build a team that could lift the World Cup,” Imran said in an interview with Business Standard.

PAKISTAN’S CRICKETING PROBLEM

“The team’s lack of success after that can be attributed to the absence of a stable domestic cricket structure. Unless we develop that, we can’t be successful. For years, Australian teams have been built around just that. India, for example, has so many domestic tournaments apart from the Indian Premier League. Security is also a problem — highlighted by the attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in 2009,” he added.

ON INDO-PAK TIES

“There’ll be nothing better than India and Pakistan playing cricket again. That must be extended to other sports as well.”

THE INDO-PAK PAIRING

“Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi have shown that can be done, gelling so well on the tennis court and winning trophies. Sports and cultural ties must be revived. It’s sad that after the Lahore attack, no one wants to play cricket in Pakistan. I am, however, trying to get international cricket back to Pakistan,” Imran further mentioned.

INDIAN FAVOURITE POLITICIAN

“I have great regard for Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his peace initiative. Even today, he remains the most esteemed Indian politician in Pakistan. In fact, right from 1977, Vajpayee was working to ensure peace between the two countries. I respect Sonia Gandhi, too,” he concluded.’

It seems Imran Khan takes a keen interest in Indian politics and other related issues.