Match Point
Where is Imran Khan's patriotism?

Where is Imran Khan's patriotism?

After all his speeches on national pride, India was his pick for the World Cup? Way to boost our team's morale.

Mohd Khanani February 09, 2011

In 1992 Imran Khan became the first Pakistani cricketer to lift the World Cup trophy, upsetting all odds and leaving the world shell-shocked. Khan remains the only Pakistani captain to have led his team to a world cup win.

With the World Cup just a few days away, our players are looking to their national heroes for motivation but unfortunately, they were let down by Khan. After recently calling M S Dhoni the “best player in the world”, Imran has now tipped India for World Cup glory, dismissing his own country’s chances in favour of their archrivals.

Where did all of the 'jazba' for Pakistan go?

Swinging like a pendulum

Sadly, this is not the first time that Khan has had u-turns in his opinion.

1999 : A good example is how he supported the military coup in 1999 but shortly after became a critic.

2008: Imran joined hands with Nawaz Sharif (who he had previously called a “facist”) to attempt and remove Musharraf.

These incidents are baffling because Khan comes across as consistently passionate about Pakistan. He has moved crowds on numerous occasions by talking about the greatness of Pakistan and by invoking jazba in their hearts. The question is: does Khan have this 'jazba' in his heart?

Many will argue that Khan is a realist but this is debatable. Over the years he has displayed hope for his political party’s victory. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has held only one seat in the National Assembly. So if he really is a realist, why doesn't he join a party with more realistic hope?

His optimism was also prevalent in his cricketing career when he bet large sums of money on his team winning even when the odds were against them. Does Khan think he is the only one who can lead Pakistan to a victory?

The national team has been rocked by various controversies over the last few months and has shockingly recovered from all these to win two back to back series. But despite the recent success, our team won’t be able to bring back the World Cup alone; it needs the support of the nation and its heroes. This will be most important if Pakistan plays its final matches amidst a hostile crowd in India. Isn't it time Khan takes back his words and backs the country which he hopes to govern some day?

Contrary to previous tournaments, Khan has decided to step up and become an official analyst/critic in this world cup on a TV show on a leading TV channel. If Khan is on this show with this pessimistic attitude, what impact will it have on the morale of our cricket team?

Khan is not only considered a hero and a role-model, but as the only Pakistani captain who knows how to win a World Cup. Could his words lower the victory chances of a nation whose has been dismissed by one its biggest self-proclaimed patriots?

WRITTEN BY:
Mohd Khanani The founder and president of Fanats FC and the youngest D-Certificate football coach ever, Mohammad writes on local football issues.

The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

COMMENTS (179)

Nwaq | 12 years ago | Reply Very poor and unjustified attempt at proving your point.

Faizan | 12 years ago | Reply @Hassan: i loved your reply hassan. i absolutely agree on what you have typed. i really did not get the point khanani has tried to emphasize on. rather he has tried to put a worst image of the most patriotic Pakistani Mr Imran Khan. but as He says He has his goals in mind and he would not back out as when he wanted to built up the huge hospital, every doctor he met told him he would never be successful, all is in front of us, everybody told him he would not be able to built up the university, that is in front of all too. now people like khanani would try their best to stop him from achieving the best but they might are forgetting its Mr Imran Khan.

VIEW MORE COMMENTS

Hamid Rehman | 12 years ago | Reply Derivative dribble without any coherent logic!

Abid Riaz | 12 years ago | Reply what is this nonsense......................u want to convince people with ur rubbish views

Daniyal Alvi | 12 years ago | Reply Oh mine! Nearly after 4 and half month this pathetic piece of writing was published. And within two months every one knew that who is better team and who is better captain..... Even while watching India-Pakistan Semi Final, we cursed Afridi and grudgingly praised Dhoni. Whether it was Imran Khan's remarks only which made India win...... or whether had Imran Khan said otherwise then the situation would be different too?? I dont think so! Hence it proved that Imran Khan is a legendary analyst too. And I am so happy to see that a illogical piece of crap gets so healthy criticism so soon! :)

dee | 12 years ago | Reply this is the most anti pakistan blog ever.

Nauman | 12 years ago | Reply there should be a criteria to remove such kind of senseless blogs. I don't know why people create issues out of nowhere. Is it to generate the traffic on their blogs?

Farzandesheikh, | 12 years ago | Reply The world Cup Mohali semi-final between India and Pakistan was, in our safe pocket and there was no doubt about it. Even the blind listners of the running commentary were 100 percent sure of Pakistan's victory. When Riaz takes 5 wickets for less than 50 runs, but the manner in which Gull gives 5 cosecutive fours in one over, and the old boy Misbah forgets that he is playing 50 overs match and wastes away balls/time as if playing a test match in most leisurely manner, and when wicket-keeper makes funny falls on the ground in his futile attemts at catching and when Tendulkar is dropped four times to go up to near his record-making century of centuries...all this, plus the presence of two prime ministers along with our ever vigilant interior minister, kept himself busy in making frequent calls to Afridi under the excuse of his personal super-checking of players' match-fixing mind-set. Also keep in mind the Indian role in making Pakistan an 'un-touchable' cricket-country, where no international match was played since attack on Sri Lankan team, all this was being done under the supervision of most cunning,coniving Indians, not to enable Pakistan win the world cup for the second time, and that, too, on the Indian soil. Such an out-come in the world cup would have let loose a hell-like situation for....oh!better keep mum.When all this is said and done , the only unavoidable conclusion could not be other than that this encounter, as a very spcial case,was a match,fixed, of course politically. And believe it that it is as it should have been. Let us say--Allah Allah, Khair Sallah. All is well that ends well.

Waqas | 13 years ago | Reply it should be published in either some biased magazine or in comic section of anyone of highly published papers. why tribune is giving a place to such an articles to its blog?please do not disappoint us . and totally agreed with hassan !!!

Rana Asghar | 13 years ago | Reply Imran Khan is an idiot & a hyprocrat. Don't expect anything from him. He is a loser.

Blacke | 13 years ago | Reply What has Politics got to do with Imran Khan's analysis of cricket. But then it of course hits our "ghairat".

Khuldun | 13 years ago | Reply Excellent article by this Khanani person who I believe is a man of international repute, global network of philanthropy, couple of international sports trophies and a couple of distinctions spread across the Ivy League universities. I believe his unending patriotism also led him to the streets where he asked for money to fund a hospital for the ordinary people of Pakistan. The love for the man is so vast, his international fans can get over him. Ofcourse intelligent, he is, he is the vice-chancellor of Bradford university, which goof can be the vice-chancellor of a foreign university? His cricket acumen is so strong that sitting today, the prediction about Dhoni and India does seem to come true. In hindsight, all of the above are not the accomplishments of Imran Khan, but of Mr. Khanani, who has every right to degrade Imran Khan. Who does IK think he is talking about cricket? Why does he think he is intelligent? Its not like he studied from a prestigious university anyways! Vision, foresight and acumen are gifted characteristics! Which unfortunately were not dolled out to the godfather of this particular sector incharge who plays football with lollipops. I wish he grows out of his diaper soon so that he can articulate sensible and well though out article! Oh, but then again, its not an article, its just hatred for the famous!

Riaz Khan | 13 years ago | Reply I agree with the author! Imran is a goof but he thinks that he is intelligent. No intelligence but lots of arrogance is his BIGGEST problem.

Shiva Srinivasan | 13 years ago | Reply Iran Khan was sharp and clinical in his analysis during the world cup making him a treat to watch.Shahid Afridi on the other had seems to indicate by his comments, that all Muslims in the world have some absurd cardiac condition.Religion and nationality doesn't tell the size of your heart.

Shiva Srinivasan | 13 years ago | Reply On the contrary, felt Imran Khan was a treat to listen during this world cup. He was sharp and clinical in his analysis.The Pakistani team is an international team.An opinion ought not to demoralize them.

jssidhoo | 13 years ago | Reply Countries need heroes we our young countries (India& Pakistan only 60 yrs old) we have very few of them respect the few that we have.

Regular Reader | 13 years ago | Reply Your views are exactly what's wrong with this country

Raja | 13 years ago | Reply Mr. Khanani, there is a difference between patriotism and nationalism. Please get some schooling, grow up, and stick to your daytime job, whatever it is.

Ali | 13 years ago | Reply ok .. so after the huge debate here on this blog ... who knows .. maybe our great idol was right indeed! ... Mr. Writer ... Khanani as they call u .. this is another dig at u ... from a different angle :P

Mrs Z Khan | 13 years ago | Reply This is an inane piece of writing - I would not even call it a column. I hope it is not indicative of the journalism of the future in the country. I take heart from the number of comments criticising the original piece.

Israr Hussain | 13 years ago | Reply @Hassan: Jingoism, is at a high point in Pakistan and India at the moment. I don't know which Imran Khan interview you have reported on. He is clearly reporting the facts at this moment in time, there is no doubt India is a bette team than Pakistan. Let's face the facts. Now on the other side of the coin by stating India is favourites is only just adding more pressure on them to win this match. What you don't uderstand is that this great Pakistani is playing mind games only to help the Pakistani team rather than demotivate them.

I am a responsible and civilized citizen of Pakistan | 13 years ago | Reply @Zahid: LOL. There can be a thing we can appreciate ET for. It is that they published your comment after being analyzed by moderator. However it would be very miserable for ET if they posted your comment because they didn't notice it :-)

zahid | 13 years ago | Reply @I am a responsible and civilized citizen of Pakistan: I believe if Kamaran akmal is penalized (rightly so) for dropping catches then this person should be treated in same manner to make sure he never picks up pen to write professionally. Then again kamaran akmal is still keeping the wickets and i fear this sorry person will keep on wasting pen paper and a blog spot which could have gone to more worthy writer.

zahid | 13 years ago | Reply I think from the comments and more so from the article itself its clear that the writer has proved himself to be eligible for the world's worst columnist/writer/analyst (what ever this delusional person prefers to call himself) award. If there was such a thing you sir are clear winner. But my concern is not the writer but person or authority who let this get published. You see i have no problem with freedom of speech and opinion but freedom of expression of insanity to be allowed to publish on a major platform such as this one; really it begs the question on the authenticity of tribune. You can criticize anyone you want as long as its constructed with facts that make connection to claim. In this case all writer did was to produce facts which served no purpose other than making him look silly.

I am a responsible and civilized citizen of Pakistan | 13 years ago | Reply I believe there should be an end of comments on this article now :-)

Khan | 13 years ago | Reply what a useless article....questioning imran khans credibility is like questioning a universal truth......im sorry i cant bother to even read the remaining article

yasir | 13 years ago | Reply @Hassan: but this is the time wen imran should boost the morale of pak team. he can be true in his opinions about dhoni n india but the pak players do read newspaper in dressing room... imran khan's statements about dhoni are not much necessary at this stage.when one see imran khan name in a news caption esp on a sports page ,he ll definitely read that n it will be bad 4 pak team if it reads in news paper that imran is already saying india is favourite...excuse my spelli ngs mistakes.

Dr. Aref Mansoor | 13 years ago | Reply Mr. Mohammed Khanani - How banal can you be? You expect an cricket analyst to lie through his teeth when he opines the team isnt in the best shape to bring cup home ONLY because he has done it before!! Did your teacher really give you a stick last week for not finishing your home work? Tribune is getting just average by the minute...!

Muhammad Affan Zia | 13 years ago | Reply I dont wanna comment any thing about your blog.. may be it is first time writing any thing to any news paper.. i wonder why this news paper promote you ....

Salman | 13 years ago | Reply Blah Blah Blah Blah. You're better off praying few nafil than wasting time writing this article. Imran Khan is the most patriotic person this country has ever produced.

Hassan | 13 years ago | Reply This is the worst article I have ever read, childish and immature. The 3rd rate mentality shown by Khanani is the reason why we are bad in everything.

khadeeja | 13 years ago | Reply @Hassan: BRAVO!!!

Karim Khan | 13 years ago | Reply His patriotism and that of others are limited to their interest in money and fame. Imran is now dreaming of becoming the ruler of Pakistan, talking of revolutions. He doesn't care about cricket anymore. I am sorry to see that a seasoned player like him is greedily chasing the bone of politics andnot giving any attention to cricket. Even sadder is the fact that he is dreaming of an illusion; many of us know that when it coms to vote, he is literally bankrupt.

Sonia | 13 years ago | Reply I suggest that u writers should consider doing something professional which will give you THE EDGE over the rest. INTERVIEW IMRAN KHAN AND THEN ANALYSE!

Bushra Hassan | 13 years ago | Reply Please... even I think India will win.. and I am more patriotic than you can imagine! So please be rational before spreading your venomous words around. ET, pls be more cautious of what you publish on your site

Waqas Saeed | 13 years ago | Reply @Cricket-fan-from-India brilliant :)

I am a responsible and civilized citizen of Pakistan | 13 years ago | Reply @Cricket-fan-from-India: :-)

Cricket-fan-from-India | 13 years ago | Reply What I like in this blog page is the excellent comments to the article. Most of the readers disagree with the author. No one seems to have any sort of doubt in their mind about Imran Khan's patriotism towards his country and his unbiased analytical view towards cricket. I am an Indian. But, since the time I saw how Imran Khan lead his team to world-cup victory, I am a big fan of his captaincy. He had so many youngsters in his team and how he inspired them give their best is unforgettable. He is the best cricket captain ever for me. Here, I said it: "Imran is the best captain ever". Go ahead question my patriotism towards India. Dear author: Grow up. Understand that "Truth is above all".

Zeeshan.Cheema | 13 years ago | Reply The most pathetic blog I have read in my whole life which is full of nonsense writing and views.

Abrar | 13 years ago | Reply The most pathetic blog ever seen on tribune , shame on u both writer and tribune

Sham | 13 years ago | Reply lol....wat nonsense !

Hassan | 13 years ago | Reply @ Hassan M, this is a public forum and once you choose to air your views publicly i have all the right in the world to dissect those views as i see fit. If you dont want to be picked upon dont air your views, as for people asking me to stop lurking around they have a right and they should excercise that right. The resentment against the author and with your views are not that they are different from mine but that they are accusatory in nature and that too without proof. You can have a difference of opinion on the fact that he choose India as the favourites and not Pakistan but to accuse him of not being patriotic and continue that character assassination via giving ill informed opinions on his politics and his captaincy is uncalled for and thus i feel i have a right to challenge you and the author on your remarks. Cricketers now days are highly paid professionals vs 1992 and thus should not be bothered by who is the favourite and whos not, something you claimed that the Pakistan team would be feeling after imran's comments. Their is no contradiction in saying that cricketers are very professional and can still be lead by an Inspirational leader just like in 1992. Imran Khan picked the best for Pakistan, i am still waiting for those names who were allegedly kept out by Imran and his nefarious designs of ruling Pakistan cricket!!!!!!!!! Actions speak louder than words ever could, it was his obsession for Pakistan and yes it was the twilight of his career and he did manage to win the world cup for Pakistan. The country wanted him leading the team in 1992 and his motivation was the Cancer hospital which benefits humdreds of thousands of Pakistanis you will never be able to understand what that hospital means to him and to those whose family members suffer from cancer. i feel sorry for you and the author who cannot understand what Pakistan means to this man and what this man means for Pakistan. read the following again and try to understand it this time!!!! "Imran Khan turned Pakistan from a collection of talented but generally ineffective individuals into a fighting, world-class team, leading by example and through sheer will. He was loyal to talent and dismissive of sycophants and easy riders. He battled for the success of the Pakistan cricket team, and for the honour of his country, on playing fields and in boardrooms. He unearthed some of the greatest talents you would ever see. He was a role model for Pakistanis all over the world, and he attracted a vast following from people of many other nationalities. Imran Khan was flawed, yes, but he was truly magnificent. For a good while, too, he was the King of Pakistan.”

Hassan M | 13 years ago | Reply Nobody contests that Imran made these remarks as an analyst. The author is talking about their implications and whether it was worth adding an opinion to an already popular opinion. He thinks Imran could have better served Pakistan by motivating his team. A flawed argument is one that assumes 1. The opposite of tipping India off is tipping Pakistan off. 2. On one hand 'cricketers are professionals who give their best no matter what', on the other, talks of 'one man .. belief .. team .. courage .. led .. victory'. 3. 'Imran picked the best' and never questions, best of whom? As a teenager, I watched him lift up the cup in 92. Words matter to me sir. It sums up the man, it sums up what he stands for. 'MY obsession to build a hospital' and "Finally at the twilight of MY career, I have managed to win the world cup. Hassan, take it easy buddy. We live with difference of opinion. We're free to state it. The moment someone posts an opinion you don't like, doesn't warrant something like @Hassan Manzar and start arguing. There's no reason to tell people on this blog to 'please be quiet'. I mean, people can always tell you to stop lurking around this thread picking on anyone who supports the author or talks about the flaws of the khan. That wouldn't be nice would it?

Hassan | 13 years ago | Reply just a little something for those who question his loyalty towards Pakistan, an article on cricinfo said about IK "Imran Khan turned Pakistan from a collection of talented but generally ineffective individuals into a fighting, world-class team, leading by example and through sheer will. He was loyal to talent and dismissive of sycophants and easy riders. He battled for the success of the Pakistan cricket team, and for the honour of his country, on playing fields and in boardrooms. He unearthed some of the greatest talents you would ever see. He was a role model for Pakistanis all over the world, and he attracted a vast following from people of many other nationalities. Imran Khan was flawed, yes, but he was truly magnificent. For a good while, too, he was the King of Pakistan.”

Hassan | 13 years ago | Reply @ Hassan Manzar, the premise of your argument is so flawed i dont know where to begin, Imran Khan was asked in his capacity as an analyst and he responded as such, this being the view of all reputable analysts and ex cricketers, the majority of Pakistanis including Imran Khan support Pakistan and hope and pray that we win. How come you never hear Ricky Ponting say crap like we will win the WC if the country prays for us and our ex greats support us and motivate us, the Pakistani team is full of professional cricketers who make a great living of this sport and representing Pakistan it is their duty to do their best for the country. The people of Pakistan will support them but to expect that we lose all semblance of intellect and start calling the Pakistan team as favourites is plain stupid. Fortune favours the brave Mr Manzar, the same country was down and out and one man and his belief in his team had the courage to turn things around and the rest is history, your so called fact is just sour grapes. As for fact number two how come you keep mentioning that merit was ignored yet have no names to back up your argument!!!!! Imran is the only ex cricketer who has given a complete plan of how FC cricket in Pakistan needs to be structured but the PCB does not want to implement it that cannot be Imran's fault. Imran picked the best players to fight for Pakistan because the flawed system did not allow a consistent pool of players for Pakistan, you can see Pakistan's results before Imran and after Imran no one has been able to unite the team. You keep going on and on about talent and merit being ignored which talented and deserving players did not play for Pakistan under Imran Khan kindly take names or please keep quiet. It was not imran's job to name a successor its not a dynasty that Imran was presiding over it is the job the of the cricket board to announce a worthy successor. No one is attacking you just trying to show you that being patriotic and being rational need not be mutually exclusive.

Hassan Manzar | 13 years ago | Reply Its not difficult to understand. The author makes a point about Imran's role in the buildup to this world cup. The team just came out of an ugly controversy and needs motivation. A few words of encouragement from a national hero will go a long way for them. His suggestion is very clear. Imran shouldn't play the expert/realist as it isn't productive. We have a ton of experts already tipping off seemingly better prepared teams. Think from the Pakistan team's perspective. They'll be hearing their hero as 'Guys work hard but India is going to win this one'. Perhaps finding out Shahid Afridi's reaction when journalists posed that as a question to him will help you understand the author's indignation. You might disagree with him but its valid as an opinion. Facts: 1. Rain led us to victory not Imran. 2. Imran shelved merit. A precedent that is not longer a road map but a well trodden path. It continues to this day and is somehow not Imran's fault. The success of hand picked players; the end justifies the means for a few, for some it just doesn't. So many times have we heard commentators speak out in awe about how Pakistan just keeps coming up with cricketing talent. I'm sure Inzamam and Wasim would have stood out in first class just as they did internationally. Imran's move obliterated the quality of first class cricket in Pakistan. A chunk of talent just moved away, disappointed. After all, whats the point of performing when performance isn't the criteria to make it to the national team. Its effects are still visible to this day. His dictatorship over the team was so immense that we faced a captaincy crisis right from the moment he left cricket. Apparently his vision, which hardly treads beyond his own persona, lacked a successor. As a player, I have immense admiration for him. One of the best all rounders in the history of the game. As for remarks such as 'pigheaded' and 'a million Hassan Manzar's', Calm down. Attacking me doesn't prove anything, or does it?

Ali | 13 years ago | Reply @ Hassan* Just when I was thinking of replying to that comment - which ofcourse lacks substance in its arguments and is nothing but a mere series of baseless allegations - I read your reply. Honestly, couldn't have written a reply better than this! Your reply is strong and backed by substantial facts - which are common knowledge now. I just happen to know two players hand-picked by Imran Khan outside of the normal selection procedure, Wasim Akram and Inzamam-ul-Haq. There could be others, maybe I am not aware of them. But lets take these two and I'd like to ask Hassan Manzar whether these two were wrong choices? The world respects them for their achievements and they are ranked literally on the top in the two cricketing departments! Imran Khan gave you two future greats for the game before he retired. If this was his speed for picking up legends for this game then I would back Imran Khan as the Chairman and only member of the Selection Committee over the group of selectors that we've always had for all this while - which happen to follow the conventional and so called 'correct' procedures yet haven't been able to give Pakistan Cricket any more Greats or Legends!

Hassan | 13 years ago | Reply @ Hassan Manzar, The article has been read and the Intelligent readers have decided to banish this inane piece of writing to the gutter. You on the other hand are another one of those "patriots" who use pigheadedness as a hallmark of patriotism. Imran Khan is a Pakistani Legend who has done more for Pakistan than a million Hassan Manzars can achieve in ten lifetimes, he has given his opinion as an analyst do you even understand what that word means? He supports Pakistan and thinks that India is the favourite is that too difficult for you to understand!!!!!!! Now to your so called "acute views" which in reality are rather obtuse but to just let you know the truth, Imran Khan led the Pakistan team with distinction and honour and has categorically given a road map for how things can be improved. If the Board of cricket is not interested it cannot be deemed as Imran's fault. Imran picked the best players to fight for Pakistan and his results have proven that his choices were right. Which great performing players did Imran ignore give names dont just spew venom against the great man because you have a personal dislike for him argue with facts. What relationship are you talking about imran chose to replace players who werent performing and introduced new players who performed for Pakistan, he chose to ignore his cousin in a country where people bend over backwards for family this speaks volumes about the man's character. All players who played under him hold him in the highest respect and regard him as Pakistan's greatest captain. If ever elected (Inshallah) Imran will lead Pakistan into the country that the Quaid e Azam and Iqbal had envisioned.

Hassan Manzar | 13 years ago | Reply The 'realists' have apparently not read the article beyond the first two paragraphs or in its entirety. The author makes a valid point linking Imran's proclaimed patriotism to a prediction he makes before a crucial event. It should be crystal clear what we should consider him. A national hero backing up his team with words of encouragement or another cricket expert who doesn't have anything new to add? As far as optimism and realism go, i doubt having heard the Khan ever say 'Had it not rained, i wouldn't be holding that cup in 92'. Anyhow, my views happen to be several degrees acute than the author. Imran is fully responsible for the sad state of affairs Pakistan cricket was/is in. "Imran bhai" would ignore the lads who had been playing and performing in first class cricket for years and pick out player he would once so happen to see somewhere. Selected, they would be in his debt and if they offended the great khan, they would be out on the bench. Imran shelved merit in cricket. We all know the relationship between Wasim bari, Majid khan and Imran khan, an erm .. ruling cricket dynasty. Yep, you guessed it. Just like the political dynasties ruling the country. That alone tells me all I need to know, what if ever elected, Imran khan will be like.

Waheed | 13 years ago | Reply Its kiddish mind. You have to be practical. Accept when someone is better than you. Although don't accept you can't be better. Imran has said Dhoni is best but he never said Pakistan is worst. He always said, If Pak team stands with captain, They can win. Regarding Imran Politics. Remember ONE thing. You can change the system Either from outside OR being part of it. With 70% uneducated humans, You can't change system from outside. That's why he never won. What if Imran was with Nawaz in last Election. He would have won 4-5 seats and may be a ministry as well. That is the way to change system by being Part of it. I bet, If Imran follow this even now, He will have winning candidates and powers to serve as well.

MAK009x | 13 years ago | Reply Err.. whats the point ? He should stop speaking the truth ?

Sathish Reddy | 13 years ago | Reply This is an absolutely brilliant read. The final score - For readers - 125. For blogger - 0. Like someone wrote earlier, if this the youth of Pakistan writing - ' Happy days are here again".

Sathish Reddy | 13 years ago | Reply @Ali: Bingo Ali. Very very intelligent analysis.

Sathish Reddy | 13 years ago | Reply @Hassan: Bingo Hassan. Very very intelligentanalysis.

Javed | 13 years ago | Reply All I can say about the article is that, it is a childish article up to the extreme. I haven't seen anything as immature than this in my lifetime. Hey! Good Luck Just grow up!!

aly | 13 years ago | Reply your article made no sense whatsoever! how can u compare imran's comments on cricket to his political career?

Fayyaz Mahmood | 13 years ago | Reply Tribune Editor ... allow this blog ... due to controversial point of view. Analyze: to criticize a National Figure, is attractive for media (Print or Electronic) ......... as it get attention, publicity, thoughtfulness (the only positive, out of it). - 1996 my favorite team was WI. who had the ability to win that WC. - 1999 my favorite team was Pakistan & I favored Pakistan in WC final (while apposing Captain's decision for bat first, after winning Toss, as i was feeling it harmful for the team). - 2003 i favored India in WC Final. - 2007 my favorite team was Australia but I favored Sri Lanka in WC final. - now my favorite team is Pakistan. (while disliking Shahid Afridi as Captain). What others favorite team in this WC? (infect I go through this blog very late. otherwise i have the ability to convert the situation in feed backs, if Editor remains Neutral).

lida | 13 years ago | Reply Where is Tribune Editor???

Ali | 13 years ago | Reply I am so glad to read all the comments made on this articles. Just goes to how the mindsets of the Pakistani youth, which is the future of this country, have broken the shackles of the age old one-track thinking. Mr. Khanani, you should have thought twice before writing such a pathetic piece of writing which shows the typical view of that minority of Pakistanis who are still hampering the growth of this country. Iman Khan is known for speaking out for what's right, sensible and practical. He has just given his impartial views. Despite being a die-hard Pakistan Cricket fan who only wants his team to win this World Cup, even I cannot rate Pakistan as the favourites for this World Cup - just like it was back in 1992. India on the other hand have a much more balanced team at the moment and yes its a reality that they are one of the few teams participating in this tournament who are in the best of their form and qualify to be labelled as the favourites. Having said that I would still be backing Pakistan, just like all my countrymen, and would bank on the dangerous and unpredictable nature of our team to come up as winners at the end. Lets grow out of the typical country bashing attitudes that our predecessors have had and act like civilised and educated beings. Lets be more sensible and practical about realities that lie ahead of us. Lets admit our flaws, commend others for their achievements and lose this feeling of unnecessary enmity among these two nations. That is the only way forward!

Ramisha | 13 years ago | Reply this blog seems more like a publicity stunt.

Marium | 13 years ago | Reply I really didn't get the exact point of blogger ..what he was trying to say ..????

asif nadeem | 13 years ago | Reply Khan is great. he has his opinion on cricket and we love and honour his opinion but I believe and support my team PAKISTAN...............UNPREDICTABLES

Ali | 13 years ago | Reply @Patriot: Well to be precise; If a parent knows that his son is going to fail in exam and someone else will top the same exam. The father will tell him plainly that that is his fear , so do something concrete to avoid the fate.... Similarly Imran has indirectly realistically asked Afridi that in current scenario India is better equipped than Pakistan to win......Period. It does not mean that Afridi's morale should be lowered because Afridi knows deep in his mind that chances are less at least less than India .

Usman Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply Now what on Earth was that?! Why would someone write such an article and why would Tribune go that insane that i would publish it! Utter disappointment!

Asim | 13 years ago | Reply baseless there are more ways to judge patriotism

yaarku | 13 years ago | Reply can we pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee keep sports and politics separate.

atif | 13 years ago | Reply Imran khan zindabad

Dr.imran ahmed siddiqui | 13 years ago | Reply This is gotta be the most useless article i have ever read.how on earth can u publish a piece of filth like that??this guy definitely belongs to some ANTI-IMRAN political party/group.seriously this post defies all logic.

Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply i meant you should better stick to football than cricket..lolz

Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply @Mr. Khanani...you should better stick to criket than football he said India are favorites and Dhoni is the best player...what is wrong with that??? he never said that Pakistan cannot win the world cup or are not in with the chance...I mean Afridi thinks they are favorites, Lara is tipping India, other experts are tipping India...and so does Imran Khan...what is wrong with that?? seriously are you 12? the kind of patriotism you are talking about leads to over-inflated opinions of the players themselves and have disastrous consequences as was witnessed in 2003 and 2007 world cup

Waqas Saeed | 13 years ago | Reply a complete waste of time and space. Period.

Har Maal Do Do Rupaiyah | 13 years ago | Reply The blogger naively associated expressing 'unpopular' opinion with patriotism. For example, if I say that the Japanese make better cars than Pakistanis do; does that make me unpatriotic? If I say, Italians make better pizzas than Pakistanis do, does that make me unpatriotic too? If a Mexican says that Pakistani 'chapatis' are better than Mexican tortillas, does that make him/her less patriotic? Enough examples, you get my point, right???

Andy | 13 years ago | Reply It is clear that the author has no desire to look for facts or evidence supporting any of his claims. Hence this reinforces my point that only articles that offer some kind of proof, even for an opinion based article, should make it to the papers or media forums; lack of evidence-based articles are dangerous as there are people out there who will believe views expressed by certain authors, without questioning their motives. This raises the point of socially responsible media, which in Pakistan, is more and more important given the nature of public discourse in our society. Regardless, I fully enjoy Tribune's blog posts for the most part, and in general think the articles are balanced and offer supporting arguments for any views expressed within - however this one somehow slipped through the cracks. The author's follow on comments are even more tragic - to call one of our few national hero's a cheat without a shred of evidence - simply pathetic. Mr Khanani - I urge you to post a follow-on article with all of your same views, but only this time, offer a valid argument with some support - if you can prove that to us, with some evidence that Imran Khan is in fact a cheat, then you'll expose to the entire world something that should have been known years earlier. Good luck doing that.

Nafasat khan | 13 years ago | Reply who told you that Imram khan tipped Indians??

Delirium | 13 years ago | Reply This is ridiculous! So are you blaming the man for being realisitc? Even if he thinks he is the only one who could lead the Pakistan team to glory, who has proved him wrong so far? It sure was his dynamic leadership that led us to victory during the '92 world cup.

zhoraiz | 13 years ago | Reply I think Mr Khanani has a Pakistanophobia mind so that is y he dosnt like Imran Khan

Ani | 13 years ago | Reply This blog and like it are a waste of valuable space and time. The blogger needs to get over his ani-India feelings. Imran Khan is a patriot and first and foremost a Pakistani. Intellectually, he is mature enough to express his opinions about the world cup. Just because he feels India might win, does not mean that he wants Pakistan to lose. But go ahead - brand Imran an agent of the RAW! You know the drill. In between find some time to root for Pakistan's success at the world cup. That is if you haven't exhausted yourself silly by then with your "anti-India" upbringing.

chitposh | 13 years ago | Reply an egotist who is fond of popular boasting he has no courage of taking unpopular stance Imran khan can be anything but a hope of change he is another nawaz shareef but more conservative and he is qazi hussain but beardless. dont take him seriously

atif baig | 13 years ago | Reply @ Expat It is obvious taht Afridi is retaliating to Imran Khan's statement. It must have bothered him. I agree that Khanani's Dhoni comment was naieve, but AFridi's statement just shows that he didn't appreciate Khan making a statement like that.

Shah | 13 years ago | Reply Ohh come on man....He is an export of Cricket....and he should comment honestly on cricket....This is true that Indian team is the favourite team in the world cup....Come on guys please grow up....forget about this patriotism(at least in a game like cricket) and think in a real world for a while....the grounds which you have chosen to criticize Imran khan are baseless...as a cricket export he should give true picture to the masses.....off course if you ask a kid on the road about Pakistan team....honest reply would be that they are not favourites for the world cup....this is not a battle to be fought and you do not need a patriotic words from a legend like Imran Khan...this is game...and take it as a game....the team which has talent and play well will win...no matter if the team is India, Aus or even Pakistan....so take it as a game and enjoy the Cricket...

PK Expat | 13 years ago | Reply In the very next line Afridi says "India are one of the top favourites" .... So does that make him an unpatriotic traitor? And Afridi doesn't take a swipe at questioning Imran Khan's patriotism or character. He simply says that former players should review the performances of current players in discussions, which in no way is addressing the statement about Imran saying that Dhoni is a good player. So, I'm sorry but Afridi is not pretty much saying the same thing ...

atif baig | 13 years ago | Reply @ all you Khanani bashers, please read the story below. Afridi is saying pretty much teh same thing. The former captain should think before making such statements http://tribune.com.pk/story/116940/afridi-wants-pakistan-india-world-cup-final/ "former cricketers should first do their homework and review performances of players before giving their analysis on the national team’s possibility of winning the world cup." -Afridi

Sana Saleem | 13 years ago | Reply Well MS Dhoni is really Fantastic and I think Imran is right ! Our team has got no guts, so why should be praised.... ?

Asif | 13 years ago | Reply The blog has a point but lost points when the comparison between politics and cricket was done. As a "leading" political figure in Pakistan, Imran Khan should have opted for Pakistan to win rather than India. Since he is an ex-cricketer he if of course entitled to his opinion on who should win but this brings up the million rupee question, when he speaks on any media platform is he a politician or a cricketer. And all the people who are going crazy over the quality of blogs being posted on ET, one needs to accept that in Pakistan anything and everything goes. There is no such thing as quality control. C'est la vie.

Yaseen | 13 years ago | Reply This is a completely preposterous article!! Tribune's standards have dropped no wonder!! !

Asad | 13 years ago | Reply I dont see one logical point in this article.

Taha Kehar | 13 years ago | Reply Blogs should ideally reflect personal opinions which can be universally acknowledged, if not entirely accepted. Although Mr. Khanani's piece shows a personalized response to Imran Khan's remarks, it needs to be substantiated better in order for reader's to say, "OK, point taken, but...". By merging politics and cricket, the author may have inadvertently launched a scathing character assassination. The writer has also presented a string of hypothetical questions throughout the piece which appear exceedingly unnecessary. Firstly, there was no reason to mention that the Tehrik-e-Insaaf has no "realistic hope". Not only was it irrelevant but it also showed a rather weak understanding of the political milieu in Pakistan and how the party operates within it. Secondly, Imran Khan's support for Dhoni has been over-analyzed to mean different things. The most shocking interpretation is noticed when the author speculates whether Khan feels his is the only hope for Pakistani cricket. Speculations are vague, unsubstantiated and thus inadequate to be used as a basis of reason. Thirdly, patriotism can be measured in more useful ways. Nevertheless, I respect the author's sense of patriotism and hope that Pakistan does win despite the presence of skepticism and a ''lack of jazba".

Butool | 13 years ago | Reply Oh wow. This article made no sense whatsoever. If this is the kind of quality Tribune is planning to churn out, not only will it affect its already ho-hum credibility, the sentiment might also spill over to some very intelligent, well researched, and thought provoking stuff that the platoon of youngsters working under Tribune are tirelessly trying to bring to us content-hungry readers.

Hussain | 13 years ago | Reply I was gonna thrash the article aswell, but the lot here has done a terrific job already. I agree with all the people that believe that Imran is patriotic regardless of his views on Cricket, especially since our national sport is Hockey :D. cheers guys!

deep | 13 years ago | Reply Sheesh - if only I believed what Imran Khan believes. I predict India will go out in a similar fashion as it did in the Eden Gardens against Sri Lanka. The only mystery is - who will do the sobbing this time.

Bilal | 13 years ago | Reply @Mohammed Khanani: " It is actions that make a person patriotic" Who is the founder of Shokat Khanum Hospital?

parvez | 13 years ago | Reply Imran is a smart operator he knows that our team performs better when put under pressure and that is what he has done with his statement.

The right statemetn | 13 years ago | Reply Imran khan is doing his job as a analyst.. calling India favourits is no absurd statement

PK Expat | 13 years ago | Reply Oh my, After actually seeing 100% of the comments on this blog completely disagree with the authors views, to the point of saying that he wrote an incorrect, uninformed, irresponsible article, I earlier posted a comment feeling bad for him that he was being picked on. But then I read the following thing he posted in response to the various comments: "And another thing which questions his patriotism is the fact that he was quite a cheat when it comes to cricket as well. Imran spent his whole career betting on his matches" by the types of comments you've been making, it seems clear that your views of Imran Khan are biased by what others have made of his politics. Your understanding of him appears to be exactly like that of somebody who works in an opposition party to PTI. And you know what, that's fine, disagree with his politics, that is perfectly OK. But for the love of God, do not call him a cheat without a shred of evidence. He is one of the most respected cricketers in the world. He is selected for all-time world XI's almost everytime by the most respected cricket analysts. Some argue he was amongst the top 3 cricket captains of ALL time, not just for Pakistan. He is an absolute legend of Pakistan Cricket. I watched him play while growing up and he lived his life for anti-corruption on the cricket pitch. You have the audacity to call him a cheat? I can't believe I wrote a message defending you against everybody on this blog, and you came back with a reply like that. You have got to be the stupidest, most uninformed, irresponsible kid I've ever known. As people have said, freedom of expression and views is OK, hence I wont criticize Express Tribune for hosting your views.

Saim Baig | 13 years ago | Reply Facts and Patriotism are two different things.

Yasser | 13 years ago | Reply splendid

Yasser | 13 years ago | Reply Splendidness analysis and arguments supported with facts.

Hassan | 13 years ago | Reply @ M. Khanani, Your attempt at maligning Imran Khan who is a living legend in Pakistan is shameful and doing so under the cloak of patriotism is downright disgusting Imran is a proud Pakistani and he has done enough for Pakistan to be remembered for ages and yet wants to do more, prejudiced people like yourselves are too insecure to appreciate the achievments of a man like Imran Khan. Patriotism is indeed the last refuge of the scoundrel!!!!!!!

Maria | 13 years ago | Reply Why did ET even publish this article!?! Imran khan is only expressing his views! I dont get it, what wrong if he (based on his experience) thinks India is a good team and might actually win the cup???

The Patriot | 13 years ago | Reply @ Writer What a waste of time and space,

Khalid Abbas | 13 years ago | Reply Mr. Khanani, How dare you write something against Imran Khan? Dont you know he is the national hero and the only hope for all the Pakistanis on facebook, twitter, LUMS canteen and other places? Karachi ta Khyber ta Manchester ta Mombasa, Imran Khan rehbar.

SUKhan | 13 years ago | Reply The most interesting thing about some of the comments are that only the writer of this blog has the right to express himself and the others are being told what to do or not. Another plea to the team ET to filter whatever is posted on your website rationally and without prejudice.

The only Indian here | 13 years ago | Reply This is why Imran like Indian cricketers http://cricket.yahoo.com/cricket/news/article?id=item/2.0/-/story/cricket.yahoonews.com/when-sachin-played-under-imran-20110209/

Maria | 13 years ago | Reply What's wrong with admitting Dhoni is a good player? Does that make Imran Khan less patriotic? Of course not! If anything, he is the only political leader in the nation with a clean slate in terms of corruption. Imran Khan truly is a patriot but that doesn't mean he shouldn't be gracious enough to admire the talent of others- even if they come from another nation. We all know that he wants the best for Pakistan and is committed to doing his best to bring about change. Let's not try to score cheap points by painting a phoney picture.

Muhammed Zafir Zia | 13 years ago | Reply .Imran is requested to give his opinions as he has been an outstanding and a visionary cricketer....................Without any shadow of doubt and being unbiased, India is the best team on paper today........India being the best team reflects on the ICC ratings also..............His this statement has nothing to do with being patriotic............. We all want and pray that Pakistan win the cup, but as a matter of fact things doesnt look so good..........We must be realistic in our approach with Imran was...........

Omar Wynne | 13 years ago | Reply I think its going to be Australia or Sri Lanka. Am I unpatriotic too?

aslam | 13 years ago | Reply Mr. Khanani... what a silly analysis this is. Just because Imran Khan thinks highly of Dhoni and the Indian team, it doesn't mean jack about him not being patriotic to Pakistan. In case you happen to follow any cricket, Dhoni is one of the best players around, and India arguably the no.1 team in the world at the moment. There is nothing wrong with IK and his judgment here. And just in case you don't happen to follow local politics, had IK not been patriotic to Pakistan, he wouldn't still have been here dedicating his life to a career of politics and philanthropy.

talha | 13 years ago | Reply Keep it up khanani, u did the right thing. imran khan has always double standard starting from his young life to his current life, including personal or professional life. He just play with the words and mesmerizes with his shrewd personality. Pakistan zinda bad and no one can stop us to win the world cup. Our player are the best. Go go Pakistan

Nadeem Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply Imran should retire from politics and become full time cricket commentator. Politics is not his cup of tea.

IZ | 13 years ago | Reply I'm not a fan of Imran Khan and I'm not a supporter of PTI. Far from it. But let me just say that this article is very silly. Imran Khan was asked his opinion as an expert and he gave it. Its not his "patriotic duty" to lie to protect our team's feelings. That is ridiculous. And what does any of that have to do with Imran Khan's political career?

Said Chaudhry | 13 years ago | Reply I'm sorry, but I just can not accept this write up as rational. I'm a die hard Pakistani supporter but if I was to think as an analyst, I would have no issues agreeing with the notion that Dhoni is one of the, if not the best, one day cricketer in the world. You failed to look at Dhoni's stats, he averages 48.80 in 177 ODIs. If that's not enough, he is also the captain of the Indian team and has led them to successes at home and abroad ever since he took over as captain. Anyone who follows cricket passionately will know that being captain of the Indian national team is probably one of the most difficult jobs in the world given the massive pressure of performing every time. And he has performed, he is a brilliant batsman, a good leader and a role model sportsman for everyone in the subcontinent. Imran obviously recognizes this as he has played a little bit of cricket himself and knows a thing or two about being captain. Anyone who denies this is just foolish and has his judgements clouded by emotions of patriotism, which should be put aside when analyzing the beautiful game of cricket. As for Imran Khan's swinging pendulum in politics, umm - he is a "politician" now. Making and breaking alliance for the common good of the country is part of the job description. I for one, am tired of seeing Imran as a straight arrow and would like to see him play more dirty politics (as is required in Pakistan) to gain political leverage.

zaigham | 13 years ago | Reply ... leave the cricket to imran khan...

Ch Allah Daad | 13 years ago | Reply Imran Khan was the first cricket captain who introduced gambling in the team. Don't say that it was only an incentive to win. Every gambler's goal is to win. When players with humble background were showered with huge amounts and they saw the gap between their honest earning and match/spot fixing prizes, greed prevailed and rest is all history.

PK Expat | 13 years ago | Reply his other blogs are actually quite good.

Tanzeel | 13 years ago | Reply Imran is a man of mistakes. Please give him another chance.

ehabs | 13 years ago | Reply I think Ricky Ponting is the best Cricket Captain today. Does that mean I'm "unpatriotic"? LOL

Mehboob | 13 years ago | Reply I am very disappointed with the standard of Pakistani Media, they don't do their research and give conclusions. I don't know what to make of this article. Who even allowed this writer to write in the newspaper, If I say China will be next super power so I am not patriotic Pakistani.

Qureshi | 13 years ago | Reply Nice article. Imran khan is unrealistic politician. Who only want popularity. He doesn't concern how harsh the consequences maybe.

Haris | 13 years ago | Reply I shall now add another name in the list of al those who needs to be held accountable... For what they say, and do... And guess what..? Its not Imran Khan..

Mohammed Khanani | 13 years ago | Reply It is quite sad that people are unwilling to accept any criticism of Imran Khan when in reality he is not all that noble. He speaks great things at times but what has he really done ? Appearing on talk shows and saying things does not make someone great. It is actions that make a person patriotic. Was he all that patriotic he would not have boycotted the elections but strive to win atleast his 1 seat because then he would have done something for his nation. And another thing which questions his patriotism is the fact that he was quite a cheat when it comes to cricket as well. Imran spent his whole career betting on his matches and a man who is a true patriot would never do something that risks blemishing his nations name.

I am a responsible and civilized citizen of Pakistan | 13 years ago | Reply Guys it is a blog. The Author Wrote It From His Own Perspective Which Was His Right. We Criticized It Which Was Our Right. Now Stop DISCOURAGING His Writing Again And Again. Everybody Has The Right To Have His Say. Beside This He Has Also Written 4 Other Blogs. He Must Have Written Things Worth Reading And That's Why EXPRESS TRIBUNE Trusts Him. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

Ammar Suria | 13 years ago | Reply Mr Khanani we know this 'Tina' doesn't exist. It's just you using an alias trying to save some dignity. So stop. Just because you've presented us with a female with a name suggesting foreign descent, we won't stop criticizing this rubbish you've posted and focus on flirting with 'Tina'.

Paksitani | 13 years ago | Reply give him a break guys. he didnot do his research before writing this piece of nonsense..he never thought that there are people like Imran Khan who call spade a spade!..imran khan could have said, "although i want pakistan to win, india are the world cup favourites"..maybe that would have satisfied mr.khanani..

SHAHID | 13 years ago | Reply Guys! stop squeezing Mr. Khanani. It's his right to express his thinking pattern. We should rather come up with an opinion instead of having pity on him :P.

SQ | 13 years ago | Reply ET's standard has dipped so low..

Leena | 13 years ago | Reply He just picked the team who he thinks has a chance to win the World Cup. So what is wrong with that? Should he lie just to boost the teams morale? That is rubbish. He is asked for his expert opinion plenty of time and he has always been honest. Also, haven't we lied/covered up enough for our cricket team? Its time to say it like it is. There is nothing patriotic about saying "PAKISTAN WILL WIN THE WORLD CUP", we all hope it, and pray for it, and i'm sure him and all the veteran cricketers would be equally delighted if we do.

Imran Ahmad Khan | 13 years ago | Reply It is one thing to be emotional but another to give your OPINION as an expert. People do not turn to listen to your ANALYSIS if it is based on emotions and patriotism. If I like Shane Watson, does it mean I am not a fan of Razzaq? Or that I would WANT Watson to play better than Razzaq? Analysis and patriotism need to be distinguished. You want to know why Imran Khan praised Dhoni? They guy averages 52 with the bat as captain...He leads from the front.....and Imran Khan did that himself... An attempt to unnecessarily bash Imran Khan.

Andy | 13 years ago | Reply Mohammad Khanani, This is a completely senseless and irresponsibly written article. Imran Khan is the only man in Pakistani cricketing history that managed to bring genuine glory to our country, and it's not his fault for being realistic by tipping India and Sehwag to be contenders for the world cup. I recognize that this is your personal opinion, but it completely shocks me to see people who are so blinded by their love for everything and anything to do with Pakistan that being realistic, that too by a man of Imran Khan's stature, is frowned upon. It's about time people like you wake up and recognize that India is not out to get us - they have achieved far more success and managed to stabilize a country 8 times our size because they actually care about the bigger picture. If we begin to realize that everything in Pakistan and Pakistan cricket is not a conspiracy, and acknowledge that we are solely responsibly for our fame and reputation, then we'll be doing a whole lot better on the global stage. I am very disappointed at the Tribune as well for publishing articles like this - there has got to be some quality control, particularly in the world of blogs and personal opinion sections. I am usually quite impressed with the articles posted on Tribune, but something like this ought to be screened. It would be nice to see you post a follow up article acknowledging your ill-informed remarks - after all, being stubborn about an issue of this level is not helping anyone. Just see the comments to your post man - not a soul has agreed with you.

PK Expat | 13 years ago | Reply Hey come on guys, lets not get carried away. The author was just expressing his views. He didn't mean any harm there is no reason to trash him and the Express Tribune.

Rationalist | 13 years ago | Reply @Observer Atleast PTI's army is computer literate.. unlike supporters of those who are running the country or provinces..

Ayyaz Ahmed Khan | 13 years ago | Reply pity that express tribune published this, look at all these comments, they call him the Hope of Pakistan, if you are against his idelogy or belong to PPP, thats a different matter, try something else

Tina | 13 years ago | Reply @Babar: I think Imran Khan WAS patriotic. And I do not think that this blog claims he is NOT patriotic. Rather it ASKS a question - were his actions patriotic. One individual thinks he could have behaved differently. We don't need to attack him.

Habibies | 13 years ago | Reply Hope of Pakistan...

nayeem | 13 years ago | Reply where is the express tribune editor?

zhoraiz | 13 years ago | Reply I am ready for Debate Mr. Khanani

Babar | 13 years ago | Reply Someone please pull out script for his world cup victory speech. Question is, was he ever patriotic? I can only see a man full of himself

Jahanzeb Malik | 13 years ago | Reply I am so dissapointed with Express Tribune. How can they even publish such a childish article which lacks sensibility and courage to handle truth. First of all being a cricket expert has nothing to do with politics and what Mr. Khan said can be related to ICC rankings. It was not a predictation, its a total fact that India are the hot favourites on their home ground for 2011 cricket world. Your statements related to Mr. Musharaf and Mr. Sharif have already been explained so many times that I really don'n need to tell them again and it seems like you should watch news channels as you are still unaware with the facts. This article is total disgrace for Express Tribune and i advise them to please hire a literate editor or else you will surely lose readers if you hav'nt lost them already.

Le Mystique | 13 years ago | Reply This is the most stupid article/blog I have ever read! How on earth can such a ridiculous article be published by ET??

Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply Imran khan is the most patriotic politician. More patriotic then most of the journalists. that also include the ones related to this group. sorry if someone dislikes my remarks.

Waqas Saeed | 13 years ago | Reply you got to be kidding me! what a ridiculous post... and a complete waste of my time! I think Tribune should scrutinise and take it off to save all of our time.

SUKhan | 13 years ago | Reply Totally agreeing on the previous comment, this blog seems like an oxymoron in itself. Do you want Khan sb to join hands with other politicians or not? Are comments about Dhoni and India the root cause or are we looking at his general statements. Since he has been branded here to take "u-turns in his opinions", then let's just wait on this one too. It is my humble request to the publication behind this that please do not try to mould anyone's points of view and publish blogs/articles/opinions just for the heck of it, and have proper filtering done before posting on the website. It just does not work for the credibility of constructive journalism.

Le Mystique | 13 years ago | Reply Imran Khan's support for Musharraf was a mistake and he has admitted that it was one of his worst mistakes ever. As far as making an alliance with Nawaz Sharif is concerned, there is nothing bad or even odd about it. People do make alliances to achieve certain objectives and what Imran Khan did was certainly with good intentions and for a greater good.

PK Expat | 13 years ago | Reply What an absolutely ridiculous and silly blog. Hahaha. Tribune doesn't need to post such things. There is nothing un-patriotic about saying Dhoni is a good player. He IS a good player. And please, Imran Khan has shown his patriotism in more ways than one over the course of his life. What the Shaukat Khanum hospital has achieved is phenomenal.

Observer | 13 years ago | Reply Haha what a great blog. Hats off to you mr Khanani, if anything... you are proof that PTI's online army is very busy.... commenting on ET blogs!!!!!!

Aftab | 13 years ago | Reply I agree with the author. We need him to boost the team's morale, especially after the spot-fixing scandal. Please for the love of god support our team. We all know that when Pakistan is in the right frame of mind (is positive and in high spirits) we can kick any team's butt

Rationalist | 13 years ago | Reply @Patriot So you are saying that if we tell ourselves we are doing a great job at helping out millions of our fellow countrymen who were made homeless due to the floods, it would be a morale booster for us and we would do more? (In case you didn't realise it is a rhetorical question and does not require an answer) But then again, patriotism and rationalism are not known to go hand in hand. Go team Pakistan!!

Aqeel | 13 years ago | Reply Thanks Mr Khanani to write this. It's NOT because it is worth, its because you gave me a chance to feel the 'change' in my nation. You got 24 comments before mine and almost all are against your thoughts and I am sure this thing will be going on. You should understand by the responses that what exactly you missed while you started writing something crap like this. As cricket expert, he came up with his judgment and we all know that very well that he being one of the highly skilled cricket of all time not just in ground, also in commentary and expert panels. You cannot map this on patriotism scale. Then you mentioned two more so-called controversial actions of 1999 and 2008. I don't feel any sorry to claim that your vision on both things are NOT well cleared. I am shocked when some nut says this that he supported the military coup. And regarding the second point, removing Musharraf should had been happened and if he supports with that Nawaz Sharif (who is being in joint mode with Zaradri since last three years to screwing Pakistan) then what exactly wrong in it?? Me like many common people of Pakistan believes so that Mr. Khan is the BEST option we have and we all should get unite to support him and give him fair chance to proof him 'himself'. Thanks guys.....(Y)

Tina | 13 years ago | Reply Great piece! The World Cup is a time for the country to band together - we expect Imran Khan - and the entire cricketing world's support. The last thing fans want to hear, after a year full of cricketing crises, is that we are not good enough. Even if it true! We need hope, optimism and leadership! As a cricket commentator Imran Khan can make whatever predictions he wants but as a national hero we expect more patriotism, more jazba!

Bilal | 13 years ago | Reply If I say Roger Federer is the best player that never means I do not like Qureshi or He can not win.....Imran Khan is the most realistic person in today's politics of Pakistan.. at least he speaks truth and says on the face... I am sorry... I don't agree with you dear author..

SS | 13 years ago | Reply This is the most ridiculous article I've read. "...calling M S Dhoni the “best player in the world”, Imran has now tipped India for World Cup glory, dismissing his own country’s chances in favour of their archrivals" Seriously does that make any real sense?

Sajid | 13 years ago | Reply Better write only on football, Mr. Blogger, don't poke in cricket :) if i say pakistan is one of most corrupt countries, does it make me traitor??? untill you don't point problem, you cann't solve it. look at performances and then balance with statement.. i wonder you easily it was for you to call a person not patriotic (in other words, traitor) need a second thought?

Syed Khurram Anwar | 13 years ago | Reply @Patriot: This comment is just like this article. absurd. Whats going on here at Tribune? I can see a proper campaign against Imran Khan with such pathetic material. At least I am not going to trust tribune anymore.

Patriot | 13 years ago | Reply @Syed Khurram ANwar Did you just call the pakistan team a rat? SHAME on you!

Syed Khurram Anwar | 13 years ago | Reply @Patriot: so you mean to keep the moral of his team up, imran should start calling a rat as a dog? come on. what non sense. He is an analyst and he has to give his honest opinion based upon his experience. Sunil called Pakistan as world cup favrouite in 1992. So you would start calling him traitor? Makes no sense to me.

Faisal | 13 years ago | Reply ET : If you will put such blogs in your website, who will care to even visit this website. this guy is just a hater of Imran Khan, and don't even know why he even hate him, lmao.

Patriot | 13 years ago | Reply Stop bashing the blogger! Sportsman/politician/philanthrpist... Imran Khan is still the same person. And it doesnt mean india will win, the author was trying to say (which all of you seem to have missed) is that it will lower the team's already low morale. Put yourself in AFridi's shoes. If the former world cup champion said india would win, how would you feel? Pretty abandoned.........

Selina Gilani - Relationship | 13 years ago | Reply dude why you think that way. Imran khan is a legend. He took side of india because of their game and sports, not because he love india.

Syed Khurram Anwar | 13 years ago | Reply @Sonya: I am with you. zabardast

I am a responsible and civilized citizen of Pakistan | 13 years ago | Reply Author I don't think expressing his ideal cricketer has something to do with our Teams morale. I am not that fan of Imran as other youth are, but Khan has been a sensible person among our politicians and even the west has admitted it. If he had supported Musharraf's military coup they why he didn't accept the post of Prime Minister which was offered to him by Musharraf. If he joined his hands with Nawaz to oust Musharraf then it isn't something bad. This is how democratic forces to; to form alliances and support a cause/issue. Your analysis provide little to support your arguments, I am sorry to say. However, I appreciated your spirit of Pakistaniat which makes you write this article.

KIS | 13 years ago | Reply ET, by allowing such rubbish articles to be published on your site, you might lose affiliation with International Herald Tribune.

Tughral T Ali | 13 years ago | Reply Im disappointed with the Tribune. This is a fairly lame piece and a clear attempt at personality bashing, without actually having anything concrete to say at all. I expect better things from Tribune.

Qamar Khan | 13 years ago | Reply being patriotic is one thing and being realistic is another...

Taimur Khan | 13 years ago | Reply What a ridiculous assumption to make. Imran Khan was speaking as a former cricketer, not a politician. His cricketing experience and knowledge made him say India are the favorites and that Dhoni is the best player in the world. Look at the 2009 and 2008 awards, MS Dhoni was the odi player of the year two years in a row. Anyone who agrees with this blog has to be illiterate.

Amir | 13 years ago | Reply These blogs need to be carefully selected by the tribune

Sonya | 13 years ago | Reply

Does Khan think he is the only one who can lead Pakistan to a victory?

I think so, just like the rest of millions of pakistanis. Even if Khan has another opinion about it.

SQ | 13 years ago | Reply wondering what exactly is this guy trying to say?? Absurd..!!

Amer | 13 years ago | Reply What a useless argument! I read this blog when there were no comments on it......and I didn't feel the need to comment since I thought most of the others would say the exact same thing that I was thinking..... I was sooo right! LOL

Rizwan Takkhar | 13 years ago | Reply Mr. Khanani, I can't even add anything new to the comments other than wishing that this stops. The comments above me say what I would say too. Not really a huge supporter of Imran Khan as a politician but judging his patriotism based on his analytical-praise for a non-Pakistani cricketer sets a benchmark for preposterous opinionated writing. This has seriously got to stop.

rafe | 13 years ago | Reply . trying to figure it out what he wants to express in his writing... khan is a smart analyzer and as an cricket analyst he has pointed out the best just kept aside his personnel emotions to give balanced and fair opinion. total rubbish and time wastage..

vijay | 13 years ago | Reply pathetic

mr bhatti | 13 years ago | Reply agree with hassan n talha what v need is to absorb the ground reality n if i m not wrong mark waugh said that pakistan is his favorite team so would these words alone can boost up the moral n make our team to uplift the cup? i think "no" If he is analyzing the game n pointing out the bads,according to him,then what wrong in it?

Syed Khurram Anwar | 13 years ago | Reply lol. What nonsense.

AM | 13 years ago | Reply I am also surprised that such a blog without insight and a broader vision of areas which are being addressed is published on ET. I am starting to think, if ET is compromising here.

saeed | 13 years ago | Reply lame article seriously. gangguly said pakistan is unpredictible because that comment india will lose now ganguly is hero for india too .... legends have opinions also and they have right to express it. Dhoni is best player no doubt in it and india is strong side whereas pakistan has not decided who will be their bowling attack. this is our team and u want us to support. we will support team no mater what but ur blog is very lame sorry to say no offences intended.

Talha Arif | 13 years ago | Reply This has got to be the most pathetic blog I have read on this website! Can this nation get over this hate-india-syndrome ever? Not a big fan of Imran Khan as a politician but whatever he said was based on his experience and judgement as a cricketer. We need to stop being hypocrites! Thats the only way to move forward.

Asad Malik | 13 years ago | Reply Patriot! Is it mean that we stop saying truth? After calling MS Dhoni the “best player in the world someone isn't patriot? Nobody from Pakistan is in top 10 batsmen of ICC World ranking Pendulum! When some one reliase his mistakes and change his way so he had taken u-turns? What is your opinion about current government and about Mr Nawaz Sharif who has taken u-turns on every time on the name of democracy should be flourish? Patiorta person who vigorously supports his country and its way of life. Imran Khan did it earlier in shape of world cup, first Cancer Research Center which is free of poor people. or these are very old news, isn't it? Recently who ran campaign for floods victims? And who is working for Namal Knowledge City? His one comment means he is not a patriot? Isn't it unfair?

Junaid Zafar | 13 years ago | Reply A useless article..Imran is just calling spade a spade.Look at the current "group of men" playing for Pakistan.Do you think they would be able to go past the first stage.? And Ohh ow go and call me an infidel because i too believe that India has a much better chance then us.

Dr. Amyn Malik | 13 years ago | Reply So if Geoff Boycott says Australia or India has better chances of winning the World Cup than England, he is non-patriotic for being realistic? If Viv Richards says the same thing about the Windies, he is a traitor? By your line of reasoning Alan Donald would be a traitor too when (and if) South Africa plays New Zealand during the World Cup for he would be cheering NZ rather than SA as he is black caps' bowling coach. Khan just backed a team he thought was better equipped to win the World Cup. He will probably do the same on the TV show for he will be doing his job as an analyst and all analysts will tell you that India has a better chance at winning the World Cup than Pakistan. Yes, I want Pakistan to win as much as you do. But you cannot ignore realities in the name of patriotism.

Hassan | 13 years ago | Reply @ Mr Khanani, i dont know what to make of your blog, i understand blogs are inherently the writers personal opinions and generally have little scope for intelligent analysis but you have managed to stay away from an intelligent analysis all together. I fail to understand what your issue is, the fact that Imran has called Dhoni the best player in the world and India as one of the favourites is an analysis shared by most cricket analysts. Saying that Pakistan is the favourite and Kamran Akmal the best player in the world isnt patriotism its lunacy. Being a Pakistani his and our support should always be with Pakistan but being an analyst of cricket requires one to set emotions aside and give a fair and balanced view. The incidents you mentioned in swinging like a pendulum are laughable at best and have no corelation to his statement about India being the favourites, Quaid E Azam was part of the All India Congress and a proponent of a United India till he joined the muslim league and helped create Pakistan, so that makes him what...confused? In life as you will find out one grows, and learns, ones outlook on issues might change but ones values must remain intact. Imran Khan's values are intact he doesnt need to give misplaced statements of patriotism to please people like you he is a patriot in what he has done and what he wants to do in Pakistan. You seriously need to understand issues before writing such an inane blog, i am surprised it got through the editiors at ET!!!!!!

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ

Where is Imran Khan's patriotism?

More by this writer

FOLLOW US