The wishes have been pouring in for Imran Khan ever since the former Pakistan skipper’s political party won the most seats in the country’s general elections.
The Pakistan Election Commission has announced that Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party enjoys a substantial lead over the incumbent Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) but has fallen short of an overall majority.
Hence, the World Cup winnings former Pakistan skipper might be required to form a coalition in order to form the next government.
Khan’s former Pakistan team-mates have been sending in their congratulations since the results of the elections started pouring in.
Former pacer Wasim Akram, who played under Khan’s captaincy in Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup triumph, was one of the first to wish the former cricketer on his party’s result.
“Congratulating the new Prime Minister of our country. It was all very formal but I still got to call him Skipper” the Pakistan pace legend wrote on Twitter after a meeting with Khan.
Congratulating the new Prime Minister of our Country. It was all very formal but I still got to call him Skipper.#ImranKhanPrimeMinister pic.twitter.com/cuEIv28U3B
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) July 26, 2018
He was joined in his wishes by his new-ball partner Waqar Younis.
“A special speech from a Great Leader..Very simple, honest and practical..Feeling so proud to be a student of such a Mentor.. Congratulations Skipper,” Waqar tweeted.
A special speech from a Great Leader..Very simple, honest and practical..Feeling so proud to be a student of such a Mentor.. Congratulations Skipper @ImranKhanPTI #BehindYouSkipper #NayaPakistan
— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) July 26, 2018
Ramiz Raja, another member of the 1992 World Cup squad, also expressed his delight on election results.
“Who could be a bigger and better example of a leader than Imran Khan, who as a super star had the world at his feet and yet elbow greased for 22 years to work for his objective and vision..he’s special and we are proud to have him as our Prime Minister,” he wrote.
Who could be a bigger and better example of a leader than Imran Khan, who as a super star had the world at his feet and yet elbow greased for 22 years to work for his objective and vision..he’s special and we are proud to have him as our Prime Minister..
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) July 26, 2018
Members of the current Pakistan squad too sent in their congratulatory messages with pacer Mohammad Amir, leg spinner Shadab Khan and all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez leading the chorus.
“Congrats to @ImranKhanPTI i hope u guys will do the best for Pakistan,” Amir wrote.
Congrats to @ImranKhanPTI i hope u guys will do the best for pakistani nation INSHALLAH👍👍👍
— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) July 26, 2018
“Ma Shaa Allah (God has willed) @ImranKhanPTI U done it once again. Long marathon struggle against corruption. A man of strong belief,” Hafeez wrote on his part.
Ma Shaa Allah @ImranKhanPTI U done it once again 🤲🏼, Long Marathon Struggle against corruption ✅, A man of Strong Believe , #GREATLEADER #IRONMAN 😍👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼, Banay Ga Naya Pakistan 🇵🇰, IN SHAA ALLAH ,
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) July 26, 2018
“Congratulations captain on your victory,” Shadab said.
Congratulations captain on your victory. Buht umeedein hein @imrankhanpti aap se, inshAllah aap ki 22 saal ki mehnat rung laye gi. #PakistanZindabad pic.twitter.com/nPf0qblKgv
— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) July 26, 2018
There were wishes for Khan from across the border too with India’s 1983 World Cup-winning skipper Kapil Dev and former batsman Sanjay Manjrekar sending their congratulatory messages.
“It looks nice that a cricketer and one who we know is going to be the PM,” Kapil Dev said.
“Imran is the epitome of setting the bar high and reaching it. Congratulations & good luck to my cricketing hero, Imran Khan!” wrote Manjrekar.
Imran is the epitome of setting the bar high and reaching it. Congratulations & good luck to my cricketing hero, Imran Khan!
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) July 27, 2018