Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan played against Australia throughout his career but it was during the 80s that he also played for the New South Wales state at domestic level.
Australian domestic cricket is considered one of the best among cricket nations and Cricket New South Wales is regarded as a regional powerhouse.
In the 70s and 80s, state teams used to invite foreign players to play in domestic cricket tournaments testing both the locals and international cricketers in first class matches.
Mr Khan became the second player invited to play for NSW as an ‘overseas player’.
According to Doug Cole, former Director Cricket NSW, Khan added value in the team tremendously.
“In the 1984-85 season, he played around seven games for NSW, a season in which the state won both the Sheffield Shield and the limited over McDonald’s cup.
In the history of cricket, he stands as an outstanding all-rounder by any measure and he also had a presence about himself, which showed that he was destined for greater things in life.”
“Imran Khan was an X factor player. He could turn a game around either through his batting or his bowling. He was dynamic and a wonderful character.”
Pakistan's sports journalist, Mirza Iqbal Baig says Imran Khan actually achieved recognition from his performance in the 70s tour of Australia that resulted in a continuous rise.
“In 1976, under the captaincy of Mushtaq Muhammad, Imran Khan played against Australia in Sydney and bowled deadly spells.
So we can say that Australia turned out to be a lucky place for his career.
Mr Baig furthers adds that in 1982 when India toured Pakistan, Imran Khan got injured and suffered a shin fracture.
“In 1984-85, when he went to Australia to play, a doctor advised him not to bowl so he played as a batsman.
At that time, it was an honour especially for a Pakistani player to play for New South Wales cricket."
“There were players earlier than him who played for state level cricket. But Imran is Imran; it was not an exceptional performance but it was a good performance at that time.”
But it was the help to other Australian players which according to the article helped the younger players at that time.
“He was a remarkable character. In terms of his contribution to New South Wales, many of the young fast bowlers who were in that side appreciated the extra advice he gave them about the wickets which were not really the same as Australian fast pitches.” Mr Cole said.
Here is the article text:
‘Overseas Player’
For the first time since season 1976-77, the Association utilised the services of an “overseas player”, on this occasion the distinguished Pakistan veteran of 51 tests, Imran Khan.
A number of grade clubs applied for Imran’s services and he was ultimately attached to the Sydney University Cricket Club. Whilst Imran’s availability to the club was restricted due to interstate and international commitments, he proved to be a popular member of the first-grade team. The Sydney University C.C. is thanked for its interest in Imran and for having hosted him in such an excellent fashion.
Imran represented New South Wales in Sheffield Shield and McDonald’s Cup fixtures and, from the period 20th February to 10th March, he played for Pakistan in Melbourne during the Benson and Hedges World Championship of Cricket series.
Although not fully match fit on arrival in Australia and due to a prolonged absence from first-class cricket because of a leg injury, he improved markedly as the season progressed and became an important factor in the team’s successful annexure of both the Sheffield and the McDonald’s Cup.
Additionally, he was always ready to give advice to the younger players, a number of whom benefited from this appearance in the team.
During the New South Wales v Western Australia match played in Perth, Imran captured his 1,000th wicket in first-class cricket. The Association arranged a suitable presentation to mark the occasion and this was made by the State team captain, Dirk Wellham, during the game.
Article photo and 'Overseas Player' article credit – Cricket NSW
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