INTERNATIONAL CRICKET

Waqar Younis recalls his first meeting with Imran Khan

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Former Pakistan pacer, Waqar Younis during a conversation on A Sports recalled his meeting with former Pakistan skipper Imran Khan.

During the 90s, Pakistan’s pace attack was rather lethal and this made them World Cup champions in 1992.

Under Imran Khan’s captaincy, Pakistan shone throughout the tournament.

Wasim Akram was the highest wicket-taker with 18 wickets in 10 games.

After the 1992 World Cup, Pakistan came to be known as a breeding ground for pacers.

However, Waqar Younis had to sit out of the ’92 World Cup due to an injury.

Younis had already made his debut for Pakistan in 1989 and had also impressed one and all with his brilliant bowling performances.

Alongside Wasim Akram, both of them created havoc for the other sides during the nineties.

Recalling his first meeting with Imran Khan, Waqar said,

My first meeting with Imran bhai was very unusual. I still get goosebumps when I think about it. I did play first-class cricket before that, I played 6-7 games, I played U19 Pakistan also. I got selected for the national team among 22 boys, where I met Wasim bhai. He used to play for Lancashire. It wasn’t necessary to wear a Pakistan kit during those days.

Waqar then further explained how Imran Khan was sick and did not attend the match. But, when he saw the youngster on television, he immediately reached the ground the next day.

Imran saw Waqar at the nets and immediately told him to pack his bags for Sharjah.

India, Pakistan, and West Indies played in a Champions Trophy Triangular series.

It was also the place where Younis made his ODI debut as well. In the finals, Pakistan became the winners.

After this, Younis made his Test debut against India in November.

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