After Backlash, PCB Releases Complete Video Featuring Imran Khan

After Backlash PCB Releases Complete Featuring Imran Khan, and The 2-minute video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board(PCB) on August 14, 2023, celebrated the biggest milestone in their sporting history but left out their most influential captain. The PCB has been facing backlash for ignoring Imran Khan’s contributions to the sport in a special video released on Pakistan’s Independence Day. 

The video, which paid tribute to some of the biggest match-winners of Pakistan cricket, did not have footage of their former captain Imran Khan. Even in the portion of the clip that featured the 1992 World Cup triumph, Pakistan’s only 50-over World Cup victory, there was no reference to Imran Khan, the captain of that victorious team.

Criticism by fans and former cricketers:

The video was immediately criticized by fans who slammed the cricket board for this behaviour. Fans and former cricketers had demanded an apology from the board for ignoring one of the country’s greatest cricketers, which they felt was due to political reasons. Former PCB chairman Khalid Mahmood was among the many who lashed out at PCB for ignoring Imran Khan.

“This video must be withdrawn by the PCB immediately and released again with proper mention of Imran’s contribution to Pakistan cricket,” Mahmood told a news channel.
“Reminiscing in Pakistan cricket’s history, 11 images of the 1992 World Cup win and not one pic or mention of the greatest that ever played the game for the country!” former Pakistan women’s captain Urooj Mumtaz Khan said. Legendary fast-bowler Wasim Akram had also demanded the deletion of the old video and an apology from the board.

Launched New Video After Backlash:

After facing severe backlash over Imran Khan’s omission from a promotional video showcasing Pakistan’s rich cricketing history, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) posted a revised clip on 17 August and called it the “original version”. It said the previous video had “some important clips missing” because of its length.

The latest post included clips from the team’s 1992 World Cup triumph and three new scenes of the then-captain Imran Khan from the tournament. Besides Imran, the new video also includes other important events such as Misbah ul Haq winning the Test mace, Pakistan’s victory in the 2009 T20 World Cup, the women’s team winning the Asian Games, Nida Dar reaching 100 T20I wickets and Pakistan’s exceptional performances in recent ICC tournaments.

One of the Greatest All-Rounders:

Imran Khan’s leadership skills were first recognized in 1982 when he was appointed as the captain of the Pakistan national cricket team. He held this position intermittently over three periods: 1982-1983, 1985-1987, and 1989-1992. As a player, Khan’s records are equally impressive. He achieved the all-rounder’s triple, securing 3000 runs and 300 wickets in just 75 Tests, making him the second-fastest to reach this milestone. His batting average of 61.86 is the second-highest for a Test batsman playing at position 6 in the batting order.

Several notable victories marked Khan’s career. In 1987, he led Pakistan to its first-ever Test series win in India, followed by a series victory in England the same year. His performance against Sri Lanka in Lahore during the 1981-1982 season, where he took eight wickets for 58 runs, is considered the best Test bowling of his career. Khan represented Pakistan in international cricket for more than 20 years, retiring after leading Pakistan to the World Cup title in 1992. He is widely regarded as one of the best cricketers in the sport’s history and holds several records in international cricket.