Former cricketers to support Imran Khan in the polls

Photo: AFP

Former Pakistani cricket stars have come out in support of cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan as the country prepares to go to the polls on Wednesday.

“It was in your leadership skip @ImrankhanPTI that we became world champions in 1992. It is in your leadership that we can again become a great democratic country,” tweeted Wasim Akram.

It was in your leadership skip @ImrankhanPTI that we became world champions in 1992. It is in your leadership that we can again become a great democratic country. #voteforkapatan#nayapakistan

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) July 21, 2018

“You have got what it takes Skipper @ImranKhanPTI but it will take everything you have… No one can doubt your Honesty and thats what is require in our country…An honest LEADER,” tweeted former captain Waqar Younis.

You have got what it takes Skipper @ImranKhanPTI but it will take everything you have…No one can doubt your Honesty and thats what is require in our country…An honest LEADER #BehindYouSkipper

— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) July 21, 2018

BehindYouSkipper became one of the country’s top trending hashtags as celebrities and former cricketers came to Khan’s support.

Former Australian star Dean Jones also lent his support.

“I am not a political person… but @ImranKhanPTI I would have loved to play under…. great leader and would do well for Pakistan if given the opportunity,” he tweeted.

I am not a political person… but @ImranKhanPTI I would have loved to play under…. great leader and would do well for Pakistan if given the opportunity. https://t.co/qi1PMeWTRq

— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) July 21, 2018

Imran was catapulted to global fame as a World Cup cricket champion, but the man known in the West as a celebrity playboy is now seeking to lead Pakistan as a populist, devout and anti-corruption reformist.

He promises to build an “Islamic welfare state” if the PTI party forms the next government.