The Lion of Lahore

He always cut an imposing figure in his playing days. Whether we roll back the years and remember his remarkable exploits as a supreme banana-bending pacer or reflect on his swashbuckling batting performances, he always impressed. His penchant for constantly wearing black from head to foot after a day’s play enhanced his reputation as a stealthy individual and that unmistakable swagger completed the image.

Any which way, Imran Khan was to be admired and respected. He still is.

During my recent sojourn in Dubai I was lucky enough to bump into him again. A private function provided the opportunity for a brief discussion where he cheerfully reminded me that he knocked back my off stump on the last ball of a day’s Sheffield Shield play in Sydney. He looked in remarkable nick. If you look up the word charismatic in the dictionary you are likely to see a photo of the Lion from Lahore.

He is trim, fit, enthusiastic and thoroughly enjoying the challenges that life is now throwing his way on a daily basis. That warm, leathery, comfortably lived-in face lit up when discussing the plight of the Pakistan people and the changes that need to be implemented to bring about a slither of optimism for that battered and beleaguered nation.

You have to admire this man’s drive and determination. For Imran Khan that has always been the norm. He knows no different.

His political ambitions are indomitable. His country has been torn apart by deception, dishonesty, non-delivery and sadly, also devastated by natural disasters. He is under no illusions as to what needs to be done and how to correct the malaise that is sweeping his once proud nation.

He wants to act and act fast. He wants to turn things around with single-minded dedication and become an authoritative force in the political world. He possesses that unmistakable aura of a leader, and he knows it.

Today Imran is the leader of the Tehreek-e-Insaf (Movement for Justice) party and he is channeling all his energy into challenging what he calls the most incompetent and corrupt government in Pakistan’s history. He wants an election and he wants it now, as he believes that the majority of the ordinary people of Pakistan are sickened by the current leadership and their lack of direction.

He wants to change lives. Pakistan is crying out for leadership and receiving nothing in abundance. He truly believes that if the nation goes to the polls, his party will win in a landslide.

He believes people trust him and that he cares for their existence. He has his detractors, he has his enemies, but that does not deter him. He refuses a bodyguard in a country where prominent political figures have been assassinated on a regular basis. He has strong faith and doesn’t fear death or failure. This is a high-risk existence but if the desired result is achieved it will prove enormously rewarding. That famous dogged drive is omnipresent.

Today, Imran is Pakistan’s biggest fundraiser as he travels the globe raising money for his extraordinary cancer hospital that stands as a beacon of triumph in a society deprived of so much. That hospital, with its state-of-the-art facilities, was inspired Imran helplessly witnessed the untimely death of his cancer-stricken mother in sub-standard conditions.

Following her tragic passing, he pledged to make a difference. He has surged forward with conviction and nowadays over a hundred desperate people a day arrive at the facility in the hope of attention and cure. The funds required to keep the hospital running are substantial. Not all are admitted due to the overwhelming demands, but cancer patients in dire need of treatment now have some hope.

Admission is free, the treatment is specialised and lives are being saved. He is proud that his hospital is curing, that it is run properly, it is clean, and importantly also corruption free.

Imran Khan is an extraordinary individual. His passion now is to serve his country and become its next leader. He wants to captain again and change Pakistan for the people in the street and turn it into a just, humane society.

He could have easily opted for a cushy and privileged lifestyle. That is not his way.

He always was a game changer. Nothing has altered.