Mumbai, July 27: Even as Imran Khan led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) seems to fall short of clear majority, with trends showing the PTI dealing on 116 seats, it is likely that Imran Khan will be the next Prime Minister of Pakistan. The PTI needs 22 more seats to form the government, which it will hope to get from the independents as the number of independents leading on seats are 45. The second biggest party is the Shahbaz Sharif led Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz, the PML(N). But with 63 seats, it looks unlikely that PML(N) will be able to get to the majority mark of 137 seats. And as the Pakistan's World Cup winning captain looks set to lead his country, the cricketing fraternity, including cricketers past and present, have congratulated the cricketer turned politician for his victory on the political pitch.
There has been no dearth of messages from cricketers ever since Imran Khan declared victory in his first address to the media. Check the tweets by cricketers congratulating and even wishing luck to Imran Khan.
"A special speech from a Great Leader..Very simple, honest and practical..Feeling so proud to be a student of such a Mentor.. Congratulations Skipper," said Waqar Younis. Check his tweet below:
A special speech from a Great Leader..Very simple, honest and practical..Feeling so proud to be a student of such a Mentor.. Congratulations Skipper @ImranKhanPTI #BehindYouSkipper #NayaPakistan
— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) July 26, 2018
Famous cricket commentator Alan Wilkins also wished the former captain of Pakistan by saying that "The great @ImranKhanPTI led his country to the top of the Cricket World in 1992. Now he has an opportunity to champion his country's cause with his leadership." Check his tweet below:
The great @ImranKhanPTI led his country to the top of the Cricket World in 1992. Now he has an opportunity to champion his country's cause with his leadership. The world awaits. He is a proven leader. He must be given his chance. #PakistanZindabad #CongratulationsSkipper
— Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) July 27, 2018
"Congratulating the new Prime Minister of our Country. It was all very formal but I still got to call him Skipper," said former Pakistan captain himself, Wasim Akram:
Congratulating the new Prime Minister of our Country. It was all very formal but I still got to call him Skipper.#ImranKhanPrimeMinister pic.twitter.com/cuEIv28U3B
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) July 26, 2018
He had also said that "It was in your leadership skip @ImrankhanPTI that we became world champions in 1992. It is in your leadership that we can again become a great democratic country," stated one of his earlier tweets on Imran.
"Congrats PTI and @ImranKhanPTI on a truly historic victory! The 22 yr old struggle has finally paid off & deservedly. Pakistanis have a lot of expectations from u I really hope u lead from the front! I request all opposing parties& media to accept the result and help rebuild," said Shahid Afridi:
Congrat PTI and @ImranKhanPTI on a truly historic victory! The 22 yr old struggle has finally paid off & deservedly. Pakistanis have a lot of expectations from u I really hope u lead from the front! I request all opposing parties& media to accept the result and help rebuild 🇵🇰
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) July 26, 2018
"So finally, Imran Khan as Prime Minister? Have admired him enormously as a cricketer and as a cricket captain. Will be interesting to see how he leads a nation," said Harsha Bhogle:
So finally, Imran Khan as Prime Minister? Have admired him enormously as a cricketer and as a cricket captain. Will be interesting to see how he leads a nation.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 26, 2018
"Congrats to @ImranKhanPTI i hope u guys will do the best for pakistani nation INSHALLAH," added Amir.
Left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz called Imran a model of sincerity.
"That was one inspiring speech, had the honesty and sincerity of a leader who feels the people of Pakistan My daughter and the children of this generation are going to be part of #NayaPakistan. No words to describe that feeling. Congrats @ImranKhanPTI I'm praying for ur success..," he tweeted.
For all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez, Imran's victory is the beginning of a new era for Pakistan.
"Ma Shaa Allah @ImranKhanPTI U done it once again, Long Marathon Struggle against corruption, A man of Strong Believe, #GREATLEADER #IRONMAN," he tweeted.
Imran was also congratulated by some Indian cricketers, including veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. "Many congratulations to @ImranKhanPTI for becoming the Prime Minister of Pakistan! I hope you bring about peace and happiness amongst all, and work towards a bigger and brighter future! Wishing you all the best."
Many congratulations to @ImranKhanPTI for becoming the Prime Minister of Pakistan! I hope you bring about peace and happiness amongst all, and work towards a bigger and brighter future! Wishing you all the best :)
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 27, 2018
Also lauding his journey was former batsman Sanjay Manjrekar. "Imran is the epitome of setting the bar high and reaching it. Congratulations & good luck to my cricketing hero, Imran Khan!" Check the tweets below:
Imran is the epitome of setting the bar high and reaching it. Congratulations & good luck to my cricketing hero, Imran Khan!
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) July 27, 2018
Sunil Gavaskar, had called it before anyone else had did it. The Indian batting legend, who often gave the Pakistani bowlers and captain Imran Khan tough times, had said while commentating in a game in 2016 itself that Imran Khan could be the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Check the video below:
Sunil Gavaskar called it on television during commentary "Imran could be the next Prime Minister of Pakistan" pic.twitter.com/Jih0c3GHeD
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) July 26, 2018
With so many cricketers wishing luck and congratulating the former Pakistan cricket team captain and Pakistan's to be Prime Minister, Imran Khan has a huge task at hand. That of leading Pakistan effectively. The challenges he faces are galore, but he made his intent clear in his first address post the election trends that showed the PTI leading. Check the highlights of his speech and what he said about India in his speech as Pakistan's Prime Minister hopeful.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 27, 2018 09:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).