Cricketers wish Imran Khan the best for his new innings as Pakistan Prime Minister

Imran Khan was once one of Pakistan’s most efficient cricketers across all the formats. He made his debut back in 1971 and his career spanned a whopping 21 years. He last donned the national colours against England in the final of the 1992 World Cup and made a significant contribution with both bat and ball. Moreover, he led his team to their first championship victory and ended his career on a high.

However, the Lahore-born cricketer resorted to plying his trade in politics thereafter. In 1996, he formed his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and hasn’t backtracked ever since. Recently, the former cricketer contested in the General Elections on July 25 and his party comprehensively came out trumps by defeating Pakistan Muslim League (PML) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Initially, it was learned that PTI wasn’t able to garner 137 seats required to bag a majority among 272 seats. However, the party claimed that they reached the desired numbers to form an independent government. Most importantly, he became Pakistan’s 22nd Honourable Prime Minister of the nation and his oath-taking ceremony took place today in Islamabad.

Cricketers wish Imran

Previously, the same was scheduled to take place on August 11 but was eventually postponed. A number of eminent personalities were invited for the auspicious occasion. In the meantime, former Indian cricketers like Kapil Dev, Navjot Singh Sidhu and Sunil Gavaskar who played alongside Khan during his playing days, were also invited for the grand event.

While Gavaskar and Kapil declined the invitation, Sidhu went to the country and graced his present in Imran’s oath-taking ceremony. During his stay, he praised Imran with his trademark ‘shayari’ (poems) and then highlighted the importance of maintaining a cordial relationship between the two nations. Meanwhile, a number of cricketers poured their wishes on Imran Khan.

Here is how the cricketing fraternity reacted

Congratulations @ImranKhanPTI for becoming new prime minister of Pakistan. I am sure you will fulfil your promises and take Pakistan to where it should be. May Allah be with you Pakistan zindabad 🇵🇰

— Azhar Ali (@AzharAli_) August 17, 2018

Congratulations! Sir Imran Khan for becoming 22nd PM of Pakistan, after 22 years of unflinching political struggle history has been created & now will begin a new difficult challenge to make “Naya Pakistan” time to celebrate! 👏 @ImranKhanPTI

— Umar Akmal (@Umar96Akmal) August 17, 2018

Congratulations on your success @ImranKhanPTI may Allah shower his blessings on you. Bohat mubarak ho!

— Fawad Alam (@iamfawadalam25) August 17, 2018

congratulations to @ImranKhanPTI sir on becoming 22nd elected prime minister of Pakistan.Prayers & best wishes are with him.hoping to see Pakistan on new Path of success in shaa Allah @PTIofficial #NayaPakistan pic.twitter.com/5fx90gVZ9Y

— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) August 17, 2018

Imran khan delivered a speech that every Pakistani not only wanted to hear, but needed too. A historic day for our nation one that honours tradition but welcomes change, a day that no one will ever forget #TheTimeHasCome #NayaPakistan

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) August 17, 2018

World Cup won by 22 Runs 🏆
22 years political Struggle 🤯 and now 22nd PM Of Pakistan 🇵🇰
This is Imran Khan, Pakistan New Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI #PTI #PrimeMinisterIK #NAYAPAKISTAN

— Fawad Ahmed (@bachaji23) August 17, 2018

Congratulations Pakistan
For our great Prime minister
Imran Khan
Mubarak ho sb ko bht bht
Love Pakistan 🇵🇰

— Saeed Ajmal (@REALsaeedajmal) August 17, 2018

Congratulations @ImranKhanPTI sir ! Our new Prime Minister of Pakistan. What an inspiring and admirable journey this gentleman has had. Exemplary & full of hard work. Welcome sir. Wishing you and our country only the best !

— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) August 17, 2018

Congratulations to @ImranKhanPTI to become 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan ❤️🤲🏼, loads of prayers & best wishes to U , #NayaPakistan 🇵🇰Zindabad

— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) August 17, 2018

Congratulations captain become 22nd PM of Pakistan 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/DzTG3jisOp

— Hassan Ali (@RealHa55an) August 17, 2018