Islamabad: Imran Khan turns 74 on October 5, marking a life whose achievements extend from leading Pakistan to cricket’s biggest prize to establishing institutions for cancer treatment and higher education.
Born on October 5, 1952, Imran made his international debut in 1971. A fast bowler and accomplished batter, he developed into one of cricket’s leading all rounders, players who contribute with both bat and ball.
His defining sporting achievement came in 1992, when he captained Pakistan to the Cricket World Cup title in Australia. He finished his international career with 362 Test wickets and 182 wickets in one day internationals, and was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009.
Beyond cricket, a personal loss shaped his charitable work. His mother, Shaukat Khanum, died of cancer in 1985. Her illness, and the difficulties faced by patients unable to afford treatment, inspired his campaign to establish a specialist cancer hospital.
The fundraising effort brought together overseas Pakistanis, local donors and schoolchildren. According to the charity’s account, children participating as “Imran’s Tigers” collected donations door to door and at traffic signals, while the 1992 World Cup victory gave the campaign further momentum.
The Lahore hospital opened on December 29 1994. A second hospital opened in Peshawar on December 29 2015, extending the institution’s cancer treatment services.
Education became another focus through Namal in Mianwali. Established as a college in 2008 with community and donor support, it initially operated as an affiliate of Britain’s University of Bradford and gained independent degree awarding status in 2019.
His birthday brings these achievements together: a cricket career remembered for its World Cup triumph, and charitable initiatives sustained through public generosity, professional expertise and collective effort.
