The cricket world cup was ours on this very day

On this day in history, Pakistan defeated England to win its first Cricket World Cup in 1992.

The day went down in history as one of Pakistan’s greatest achievements and displays of sportsmanship.

Taking place in Melbourne, Australia our boys in green played like ‘tigers’ with now infamous names of budding players such as Inzamam Ul Haq and Wasim Akram being referred to as ‘younger brothers’ by the team’s then captain (and our now Prime Minister), Imran Khan.

#OnThisDay in 1992, Pakistan won the @cricketworldcup 🏆 ! @ImranKhanPTI led Pakistan 🇵🇰 to a 22 run win over England in the final at the @MCG 🏟. pic.twitter.com/zLa7uWSP7O

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) March 25, 2019

All over social media, Pakistanis have been celebrating the 27th anniversary of the win and how till this day, it still makes us proud

– Imran’s vital 72 up the order, Miandad’s yet another gritty fifty, Inzamam’s blows, Wasim’s all around brilliance led Pakistan to the World Cup triumph #OnThisDay in 1992.
Khan’s leadership throughout the event was magical!

— Asif Khan (@mak_asif) March 25, 2019

This, for me, is easily the most iconic Cricket World Cup picture. Exactly 27 years ago, this is how Imran Khan walked out for the toss for the 1992 World Cup Final. Just look at the confidence on his face. pic.twitter.com/RN4qJY5Dx9

— RandomCricketPhotos&Videos (@RandomCricketP1) March 25, 2019

On This day #25_March_1992, Pakistan won ICC World Cup under #PM_ImranKhan captaincy 🙂
Stand up for the Champions <3 pic.twitter.com/CqvtQD30de

— ONE NATION PAKISTAN (@ONENATIONPAKIS1) March 25, 2019

Of course, the fact that the captain who brought the historical win home is now the leader of our country is doubly exciting

#OnThisDay in 1992, whole world watched green flag waved under the captaincy of my hero great Imran Khan. After 27 years, today Captain is the PM of Pakistan. He will raise Pakistan to its fair & right place in the global community. pic.twitter.com/dRdK6cxJ77

— Jehan Zada (@Prosperous_Pk) March 25, 2019

Good news that our winner captain of world cup 1992 is now our PM.#OnThisDay pakistan won the world cup 1992 under leadership of @ImranKhanPTI.
Great memory for all pakistani. pic.twitter.com/rV83y5l2sr

— ASIM SOHAIL (@AsimSohail56) March 25, 2019

It is quite the exceptional case that someone who gained the hearts and trust of people all over the world as a leader in cricket was able to achieve the same (with the exception of a few), as a Prime Minister.

Thanks to the footage of Imran Khan’s speech post-match, it is clear to see that he always cut out for a leadership role

At this point in time, our team had made a bit of a phenomenal comeback into the World Cup. Our boys had lost consecutive matches at the beginning of the tournament, yet were able to turn it around when a match with England was rained down. This provided Pakistan with an extra point, allowing them to qualify for the next round. After this, Pakistan beat out Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand to finally defeat England in 22 runs.

During this time, Imran was able to bring his team through the wringer as the captain of a number of younger boys representing Pakistan, so far away from home. In his speech, you could see that he was caring for the younger men on the team, conditioning them and coaching them to be the best they could be. Before the coin toss, he stated that he didn’t care if the team won or lose, just that they played like the ‘tigers they were.’ And after winning the game, they clearly did.

But also, can we just talk about the tiger t-shirt?

Lolsy, talk about foreshadowing your own political fate. @Nawaz Sharif. But anyway, there were moments during this match that Immy had also been criticized for.

However, upon winning the cup and after lifting the trophy above his head, Imran Khan stated that he was happy that he managed to win the match

In his excitement he had apparently forgotten to name his team mates or thank them and that had caused a bit of controversy back then.

(Skip to 4:30 to his speech)

Khan was called out by many at the time for not including the names of his teammates and stating that the win was not only managed by him but with the help of the other players who had worked just as hard. And while many cricket keen fans will tell you that the cup was indeed won mostly by Imran’s performance in the games, his statement was enough to make people angry.

In an interview in 1992, Khan explained why his speech did not include his teammates

Khan stated that his teammates were like his younger brothers, and he felt like he was their teacher. He said he just felt proud as the captain of the team to see how everyone performed and clarified that he was only speaking with regards to his own career. He also added that public speaking was never his strength which is also something we saw at the beginning of Imran Khan’s political career.

Khan was criticized for his public speaking skills when it came to the beginning of his tenure as Prime Minister with people stating that his words were informal, poorly strung together and not at the level a Prime Minister’s should have been.

However, since then, Immy has managed to improve his speaking skills considerably with many people applauding his style of speaking, stating that unlike other politicians, it actually speaks to the people.

His victory address was a hit with Pakistanis everywhere, honest and ‘straight from the heart.”

Successful people are different people. This guy is just different. Uses notes & not written speech. Uses a recycled/used paper. Is transparent about issues yet inspiring people that we can change & will.Straight from the heart.@ImranKhanPTI @PTIofficial

— Veqar Islam (@VeqarIslam) August 19, 2018

Truth be told; no PM in recent history has addressed the nation like this- starting from Madina ending on kindness. From education to pedophilism to corruption to foreign policy to climate change to water deficiency. He didn’t miss a single topic. More power to you!!#PMIKADRESS

— Rabia Butt (@Iamrabiabutt) August 19, 2018

Obviously, we cannot compare Imran Khan’s career in cricket to his career in Politics. Being so that they are completely different worlds, the same principles cannot apply. However, if you do want to play a little round of fate, it is pretty clear to see that Imran’s role as a leader on the pitch was enough to see that his leadership role in the PM house would be just as promising.

It is too soon to tell and we’re not saying that he could win the metaphorical 1992 cup for us now with regards to our country, but hey, it’s good to dream, no?

Have you seen these speeches on social media? Let us know what you think in the comments below! Love you.

Here Are Some Of The Most Important Takeaways From Imran Khan’s Victory Speech

Pakistanis LOVE The Handwritten Notes Allegedly Made By Imran Khan For Yesterday’s Speech

Cover photo source:stuff.co.nz/Dunya News