Imran Khan's first captaincy stint between 1982 and 1989 transformed Pakistan from a talented but inconsistent side into the team that would win the 1992 World Cup and dominate the 1990s.
Pakistan in 1982 had genuine talent but a reputation for indiscipline and selection-by-favouritism.
Imran's appointment displaced senior players and was contested politically; he insisted on full selection power.
Imran took over the captaincy in 1982 from a Pakistan side that had never won a Test series in England, India or the West Indies. By the end of his first stint in 1989 he had won series in England (1987, the first by Pakistan), in India (1986-87, the first overseas Test series win in India by Pakistan) and had drawn 1-1 in the Caribbean (1988). Statistically he is the most successful Test captain in Pakistan's history with a win-loss ratio better than 2:1. He instituted a meritocratic selection regime, pushed for fast-bowling academies, persuaded fast-bowling spotting circuits in Lahore and Karachi, mentored Wasim Akram, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Javed Miandad's tactical role and brought in Waqar Younis. He was also the public face of Pakistan cricket through a politically charged era — military rule under Zia, the Sharjah era, and the Gatting affair.
Imran takes over from Javed Miandad in 1982
1986-87 series win in India
1987 series win in England
1988 drawn series in Caribbean
Mentors Akram, Waqar, Inzamam
1982
Captaincy from Miandad
1986-87
Series win in India
1987
Series win in England
1988
1-1 in WI
1989
First-stint retirement
“I wanted Pakistan to be a team that walked into any ground in the world expecting to win.”
“Imran created the modern Pakistani fast bowler.”
Imran retired briefly in 1987 but was recalled for the 1992 World Cup, which Pakistan won.
Often cited by Pakistani players themselves as the most consequential captaincy regime in their cricket history.
His captaincy is the foundational period of modern Pakistani cricket. The 1992 World Cup is unimaginable without it.
Yorkshire v Essex
1932-06-16
On 15-16 June 1932 Herbert Sutcliffe (313) and Percy Holmes (224*) put on 555 for the first wicket against Essex at Leyton, breaking the world first-class record for any wicket and adding a layer of folklore — including a scoreboard that read 554 for several minutes and a hastily reversed declaration — that has clung to the partnership ever since.
Australia v England
1933-02-14
With the fate of the Bodyline series in the balance and England 216 for 6 chasing 340, Eddie Paynter checked himself out of a Brisbane hospital where he was being treated for acute tonsillitis, taxied to the Gabba in pyjamas and a dressing gown, and batted for nearly four hours to score 83. England drew level on first innings, won the Test by six wickets and the series 4-1.
Australia
1934-09-25
Days after the 1934 Oval Test, Bradman fell seriously ill with appendicitis that progressed to peritonitis. With antibiotics not yet available, he was given little chance of survival; his wife Jessie left Adelaide on a sea voyage to England prepared for the worst. He recovered after weeks of intensive nursing in a London nursing home and returned to first-class cricket the following Australian summer.