Legacy Lost? In an unexpected move that has sent shockwaves through cricket enthusiasts, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a video on August 14th that conspicuously excludes one of the most iconic names in the sport’s history – Imran Khan.
The video, intended to honor cricketing legends and pivotal milestones, raises eyebrows as Imran Khan, the captain who led Pakistan to a World Cup triumph in 1992, is conspicuously absent from the narrative.
Imran Khan’s image, symbolizing the historic moment of lifting the World Cup trophy, graces the cover image alongside other celebrated captains. Yet, in the ensuing 2-minute, 20-second video, the absence of any significant mention of Imran’s contributions becomes glaringly evident, leaving the impression that his role in shaping Pakistan’s cricketing legacy is glossed over.
Responding to inquiries about Imran Khan’s omission, the PCB offered a cryptic “No comments,” deepening the mystery behind this exclusion. The video, positioned as a tribute to the legendary figures that have sculpted Pakistan’s cricket history, fails to acknowledge Imran’s monumental leadership and the indelible mark he has left on the sport.
Even though a fleeting glimpse of Imran Khan’s presence makes an appearance in a brief cameo, the overall tone of the video seems to marginalize his significance. The portrayal of the 1992 section extensively featuring Inzamamul Haq and Wasim Akram inadvertently raises questions about Imran’s role in the narrative, leading to speculations that he was either side-lined or deliberately minimized.
The digital landscape erupted with outrage over this glaring omission, giving rise to the hashtag “Shame on PCB” trending on social media platforms. The collective incredulity expressed by individuals underscores the folly of overlooking Imran Khan’s legacy. The video’s release underscores the unfortunate intersection of sport and politics, a domain that resonates deeply within Pakistan’s society.
Twitterattis are definitely not happy about the situation. A user wrote, “No matter how hard you try … you can’t take IK out. Your father is still there. #ShameOnPCB”
No matter how hard you try … you can’t take IK out. Your father is still there. #ShameOnPCB pic.twitter.com/Df5nEjuTbn
— Abu Zayan Awan (@Its_AbuZee) August 14, 2023
A fan of Khan demanded a proper apology from the management of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
#ZakaAshraf and @TheRealPCB need to apologise to the People of Pakistan fir the pettiness they have displayed in@the documentary on Pakistan cricket released recently. We know whose lap dog #ZakaAshraf is. #ShameOnPCB pic.twitter.com/WXwkF6t707
— Faisal Sherjan (@fsherjan) August 15, 2023
A user of Twitter regarding the situation wrote, پشتو کا ایک قول ہے، ” نور پہ گوتہ نہ پٹیگی” یعنی سورج کو انگلی سے نہیں چھپایا جا سکتا۔
پشتو کا ایک قول ہے، " نور پہ گوتہ نہ پٹیگی" یعنی سورج کو انگلی سے نہیں چھپایا جا سکتا۔#ShameOnPCB pic.twitter.com/BG5lMs6j0b
— Maleeha Khan (@Maleehhaa) August 15, 2023
Another person said, “BCCI removed Babar Azam from the ICC World Cup promo. PCB couldn’t do anything but they removed Imran Khan’s pic from their video. PCB can’t protect the honor of our stars but degrades them.”
BCCI removed Babar Azam from ICC World Cup promo. PCB couldn't do anything but they removed Imran Khan's pic from their video. PCB can't protect the honor of our stars but degrades them. #ShameOnPCB #غلام_نہیں_آزاد_پاکستان pic.twitter.com/tpaqXsQNVX
— Fazal Abbas (@FazalSamtiah) August 15, 2023
The nation’s cherished sport has often become entangled in political currents, with Imran Khan’s omission serving as a poignant reminder of this complex relationship.
The PCB’s attempt to rewrite the narrative by excluding Imran Khan from their carefully curated footage disregards the indomitable connection between his name and the sport. His cricketing journey remains inseparable from Pakistan’s identity in the cricketing world, rendering any endeavor to rewrite this narrative as a laughable folly.
Beyond the video’s narrative, Imran Khan’s enduring legacy is etched in cricket history. His name remains synonymous with the game, resonating not only in Pakistan but across the globe.
While the PCB may have underestimated the impact of their omission, cricket enthusiasts and fans alike continue to celebrate Imran Khan’s invaluable contributions, ensuring that his iconic status remains unblemished.
