As Imran Khan faces health concerns in jail, old stories resurface — from Sourav Ganguly’s career-changing advice to Saleem Malik’s on-field threat and Pervez Musharraf’s surprising midnight call.
WEBDESK – MediaBites Editorial – Source BBC Urdu – Abdul Rasheed Shakoor
As concerns grow over the health of former Pakistan captain and ex-prime minister Imran Khan, remarkable cross-border cricket stories involving Sourav Ganguly, Saleem Malik, and Pervez Musharraf have resurfaced — revealing how rivalry, respect, and risk shaped an unforgettable era.
A simple line that changed Ganguly’s career
With reports emerging that Imran Khan’s eyesight has deteriorated in jail, former cricket captains worldwide have expressed concern. Among them is Sourav Ganguly, who once described Imran’s words as “magic” that transformed his career.
In his autobiography A Century Is Not Enough, Ganguly recalls meeting Imran Khan in 1997 at a reception hosted by the Indian High Commission. At the time, the young Indian batsman had just been dropped from the team and was struggling to process the setback.
Imran’s message was simple yet powerful.
“You must fly high. When you see dark clouds, the only way to deal with them is to fly even higher.”
Imran, who had himself faced exclusion during his career, told Ganguly that setbacks were temporary — but belief must remain permanent. The advice struck deep.
Months later, Ganguly produced one of the finest all-round performances of his career — scoring 222 runs and taking 15 wickets in a series, ironically against Pakistan. He was named Player of the Match in four consecutive ODIs — a rare feat in international cricket.
Ganguly later wrote: “Imran’s words were like magic.”
Zaheer Abbas fixes the flaw
Years later, when Ganguly’s form dipped and he lost captaincy in 2005, it was another Pakistani great, Zaheer Abbas, who helped him rediscover his rhythm.
Playing county cricket in England, Ganguly struggled against pace. Zaheer advised him to stand more upright and open his chest slightly while facing fast bowlers.
The technical tweak worked.
In 2007, against Pakistan, Ganguly scored 534 runs in a three-Test series at an average of 89, including a career-best 239 — his only Test double century.
Saleem Malik’s on-field threat
Cricket diplomacy often hides fierce sledging.
During a Toronto ODI series, Ganguly dismissed Saleem Malik in one match. Before the next game, Malik allegedly walked up to him and warned:
“Today I will hit you so hard you will remember it.”
Instead, Ganguly dismissed him again.
At the time, Ganguly was a young cricketer, while Malik was one of Pakistan’s senior stars. The intimidation didn’t work — but it revealed the intense psychological battles of Indo-Pak contests.
The midnight adventure — and Musharraf’s call
Perhaps the most dramatic story came during India’s historic 2004 tour of Pakistan.
Security was tight. Hotels resembled fortresses. But one night, Ganguly slipped out through a back door with friends to visit Lahore’s famous Food Street in Gawalmandi.
He tried hiding under a cap — but fans recognized him. Soon, crowds gathered. Journalists spotted him. Police escorted him back.
The next morning, the phone rang.
It was the office of President Pervez Musharraf.
According to Ganguly, Musharraf’s tone was polite but firm:
“Next time you want to go out, inform security. We will arrange everything. Please avoid such adventures.”
Ganguly later admitted that facing Wasim Akram’s deadly inswingers was less frightening than receiving that call.
Rivalry, respect, and rare friendships
Despite political tensions, personal bonds flourished. Ganguly has often spoken warmly about Inzamam-ul-Haq, recalling the hospitality shown during their mutual tours.
The 2004 series became symbolic — India winning both ODI (3-2) and Test (2-1) series in Pakistan, while fans from both sides celebrated cricket beyond politics.
A larger legacy
Today, as Imran Khan remains behind bars and global cricketing figures express concern for his health, these stories echo louder.
They remind fans that beyond politics and prison walls stands a cricketer whose words once shaped rivals, whose leadership inspired generations, and whose influence crossed borders even in the fiercest rivalry of world sport.
Cricket, after all, remembers.
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