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Pakistan's former captain and country's current Prime Minister Imran Khan was honored with the International Sports Personality Award at the 11th edition of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award, in Dubai. The World Cup winning captain was awarded for enhancing the status of sports in general and cricket in particular, and empowering Pakistani society through sports. The award ceremony was held at Expo 2020 Dubai where Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee, was named the Arab Sports Personality.
The 69-year-old has done some great work after taking over the reigns as Prime Minister. In 2019, PM Imran Khan launched a pioneering $639 million initiative for the welfare of Pakistan’s youth, under which young men and women are be given scholarships and skill-development opportunities, including scholarships in sports. Khan also announced plans to build a cricket ground in each of Pakistan’s 4,000-plus Union and Village Councils in June 2021.
The former captain has worked effectively towards the growth of sports in his country. His hard work has yielded some good results as well. Today, more than half the population, according to an estimate, is identified as cricket fans, and nearly 42,000 players are officially registered with the Pakistan Cricket Board. He also played a crucial role in the appointment of Ramiz Raja as the chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board.
Imran Khan remains the only Pakistan captain to win WC
Imran Khan has always been an inspiration to cricketers. Even while playing for his country, he was highly committed to his duties. The former all-rounder has staggering numbers at the international level. He has 362 wickets in 88 Tests at an average of 22.8 with 23 five-wicket hauls and 3807 runs in the format as well with six centuries. In 175 ODIS, Imran claimed 182 wickets and contributed 3709 runs down the order with 19 half-centuries. Also, he remains one of the most successful captains of his country. Imran Khan led Pakistan to the semifinals of the 1987 World Cup and then to the finals in 1992 where the Men in Green lifted their first title.