Some lesser-known facts about Imran Khan

Imran Khan, Pakistan’s newly sworn-in Prime Minister, is seen as the popular politician in the country, but he had a colorful past as a cricketer as well as a dashing young man!

The student of philosophy and economics!

Imran Khan grew up in Lahore, Pakistan, before going to Oxford University. There he enrolled in the prestigious Philosophy, Politics, and Economics course, which was studied by other world leaders like Britain’s David Cameron, Australia’s Tony Abbott, Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi, and Benazir Bhutto (late).

His cricket debut during politically turmoil era in Pakistan

However, Khan was known less for his academics than his sportsmanship. He made his debut for Pakistan’s national cricket team in 1971, aged 18. It was the year when Pakistan went through during one of the worst periods of its political history.

Cricket glory

Upon leaving university he became a permanent member of the national cricket team, and played from 1976 to 1992. Pakistan won the Cricket World Cup in 1992 with Khan as captain.

The London boy!

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s Khan still spent much of his time in London, where he garnered a reputation as a party boy.

Heartthrob of the 80s

The model Marie Helvin reportedly said: “Everyone falls for Imran. He has a scent that is very attractive to women.”

The marital journey!

In 1995 he married British socialite Jemima Goldsmith. She was 20, while Khan was 42. You can see footage of their wedding, and their first interview, in the video below:

Goldsmith converted to Islam, moved to Pakistan, learned Urdu, and had two sons with the cricketer before they divorced in 2004. They appeared to part on good terms, with Khan saying in 2011 that he stayed at Goldsmith’s mother’s house in south London whenever he visited.