Career Timeline of Imran Khan: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Imran Khan, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi is a prominent Pakistani figure known for his careers in both sports and politics. He captained the Pakistani cricket team to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup before transitioning to politics. In 1996, he founded the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political party and served as the 19th Prime Minister of Pakistan from 2018 to 2022. He is also recognized for his philanthropic work.
June 1971: Test Cricket Debut Against England
In June 1971, Imran Khan made his Test cricket debut against England at Edgbaston.
1971: Played English County Cricket
From 1971 to 1976, Khan played English county cricket for Worcestershire.
1971: International Cricket Debut
In 1971, Imran Khan began his international cricket career in a Test series against England.
1973: Played for University of Oxford's Blues Cricket team
From 1973–1975 seasons, Khan was part of the University of Oxford's Blues Cricket team.
August 1974: ODI Debut Against England
In August 1974, Imran Khan debuted in the One Day International (ODI) match against England at Trent Bridge.
1975: Played for Dawood Industries
From 1975–1976, Khan played for Dawood Industries.
1976: Played for Worcestershire
From 1971 to 1976, Khan played for Worcestershire.
1977: Faced New Zealand and Australia
From the 1976–1977 season, during which they faced New Zealand and Australia.
1978: Competed in Fast Bowling Contest
In 1978, Imran Khan finished third in a fast bowling contest at Perth, recording a speed of 139.7 km/h.
January 1980: Imran Khan attains prime as a fast bowler
In January 1980, Imran Khan reached his peak as a fast bowler, transitioning from a medium-pace bowler to a significantly faster one. He continued to bowl at his prime until 1988, marking a significant phase in his cricket career.
1980: Played for Pakistan International Airlines
From 1980–1981, Khan played for Pakistan International Airlines.
1982: Imran Khan tops bowling and batting averages against England
In 1982, Imran Khan topped both the bowling and batting averages against England in a three-Test series, taking 21 wickets and averaging 56 with the bat. Later that year, he performed well in a home series against India, taking 40 wickets.
1982: Imran Khan assumes captaincy of Pakistan cricket team
In 1982, at the age of thirty, Imran Khan took over the captaincy of the Pakistan cricket team from Javed Miandad. As captain, he led the team in 48 Test matches and 139 ODIs.
January 1983: Imran Khan achieves a Test bowling rating of 922 points
In January 1983, Imran Khan achieved a Test bowling rating of 922 points while playing against India. This performance, calculated retrospectively, ranks him third in the ICC's All-Time Test Bowling Rankings.
1985: Imran Khan makes successful comeback to international cricket
In 1985, Imran Khan made a successful comeback to international cricket after recovering from a stress fracture in his shin.
1988: Imran Khan returns to captaincy after retirement
In 1988, Imran Khan was asked to return to the captaincy by the President of Pakistan, General Zia-ul-Haq, after previously retiring from international cricket. He announced his decision to rejoin the team on January 18.
1988: Imran Khan declared Man of the Series against West Indies
In 1988, Imran Khan was declared Man of the Series against West Indies for taking 23 wickets in 3 Tests. He recounted this tour as "the last time I really bowled well."
1988: End of Khan's prime as a fast bowler
In 1988, Imran Khan's tenure as a fast bowler ended. During his prime, he took 236 test wickets at 17.77 apiece with 18 five-wicket hauls and 5 10 wicket hauls.
1989: Imran Khan named International Cricketer of the Year
In 1989, Imran Khan became the first Asian cricketer to be named the International Cricketer of the Year, winning a Rover 827 Vitesse. This achievement was met with criticism from the Australian press, prompting Khan to donate the car's proceeds to his Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital.
1990: Offered Role in Bollywood Movie
In 1990, Dev Anand offered Imran Khan a role in his sports action-thriller movie Awwal Number, but Khan declined due to his lack of acting skills.
1991: Imran Khan founds the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre
In 1991, Imran Khan founded the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, a charity organization named after his mother. The hospital, Pakistan's first cancer hospital, was constructed using donations raised from all over the world.
1992: Imran Khan leads Pakistan to victory in the Cricket World Cup
In 1992, Imran Khan led Pakistan to victory in the Cricket World Cup. At the age of 39, he took the winning last wicket himself, securing Pakistan's first and only World Cup victory.
1992: Cricket World Cup Victory
In 1992, under Imran Khan's captaincy, the Pakistan national cricket team won the Cricket World Cup.
1992: Victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup
In 2010, a Pakistani production house produced a biographical film based on Khan's life, titled Kaptaan: The Making of a Legend, depicting Khan's captaincy and career with the Pakistan cricket team, which led them to victory in the 1992 cricket world cup, as well as events which shaped his life.
1993: Imran Khan appointed ambassador for tourism
In 1993, Imran Khan was appointed as the ambassador for tourism in the caretaker government of Moeenuddin Ahmad Qureshi, holding the position for three months.
1995: Benazir Bhutto's Hostility Towards Imran Khan
In 1995, Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto reacted with hostility towards Imran Khan, fearing a potential military coup that could appoint him as Prime Minister. The state-run television refused to broadcast archival footage of Imran's cricketing career and banned fundraising advertisements for his Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital during Ramadan. Authorities also spread rumors of embezzlement of hospital funds and tax irregularities. Donations to the hospital were halved in 1995.
April 1996: Founding of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
On April 1996, Imran Khan founded the political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
1996: Entering Politics
In 1996, Declan Walsh of The Guardian observed that since Imran Khan entered politics, his "ideas and affiliations have swerved and skidded like a rickshaw in a rainshower."
1996: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Founding
In 1996, Imran Khan founded Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
1997: Unsuccessful Candidacy in Pakistani General Election
In 1997, Imran Khan ran for the seat of the National Assembly of Pakistan as a candidate of PTI from two constituencies but was unsuccessful and lost both seats.
1999: Support for General Musharraf's Coup
In 1999, Khan supported General Musharraf's Pakistani coup d'état, believing Musharraf would end corruption. Khan was offered the role of prime minister in 2002 but turned it down.
2001: Taliban Victory in the 2001-2021 war
Following the 2021 Fall of Kabul, Khan congratulated the Taliban for their victory in the 2001–2021 war, and urged the international community to support their new government. He also said that his government was negotiating a peace deal with the Pakistani Taliban with the help of the Afghan Taliban.
2001: Imran Khan auctions cricket memorabilia for flood victims
In 2001, following the Islamabad cloud burst and severe flooding in Pakistan, Imran Khan auctioned his signed cricket bat from the 1992 Cricket World Cup and the sweater he wore while playing cricket to raise funds for flood victims.
January 2002: Governor announces establishment of cadet college
In January 2002, Governor Khalid Maqbool announced the establishment of a cadet college during a public gathering on 24 January 2002 after Khan's collaboration with Air Vice Marshal Abdul Razzaq Anjum.
October 2002: Election to National Assembly and Support for Musharraf
In October 2002, Khan participated in the Pakistani general election and was elected from Mianwali. In the 2002 Pakistani referendum, Khan supported military dictator General Musharraf. He also served as a part of the Standing Committees on Kashmir and Public Accounts.
2002: Election to National Assembly
In 2002, Imran Khan won a seat in the National Assembly from Mianwali in the general election.
May 2003: Imran Khan announces return as domestic league coach
In May 2003, Imran Khan announced his return as a domestic league coach. He stated that he agreed to help with coaching after Pakistan's disappointing performance in the World Cup, wanting to "pay back what this country has given me."
2003: Participation in Anti-War Protest
In 2003, after the invasion of Iraq began, Khan participated in a protest held in Hyde Park, London, opposing the war.
2004: Imran Khan works as a commentator for India's tour of Pakistan
In 2004, Imran Khan worked as a commentator on TEN Sports' special live show, Straight Drive, during the Indian cricket team's tour of Pakistan after 14 years.
November 2005: Imran Khan appointed chancellor of University of Bradford
In November 2005, Imran Khan was appointed as the chancellor of the University of Bradford, succeeding Betty Lockwood.
2005: Khan signs agreement with the University of Bradford
In 2005, Imran Khan signed an agreement with the University of Bradford, making Namal its associate college.
February 2006: The Imran Khan Foundation (IKF) established
In February 2006, The Imran Khan Foundation (IKF) was established to supported underprivileged communities in Pakistan, including victims of the 2010 Pakistan floods.
2006: Imran Khan announces vision to establish Namal College
In 2006, Imran Khan, then Chancellor of the University of Bradford, announced his vision to establish Namal College, a technical institution in Mianwali, aiming to tackle unemployment by providing young people with job skills.
October 2007: Resignation from Parliament
In October 2007, Khan resigned from Parliament as part of the All Parties Democratic Movement in protest of the presidential election.
April 2008: Namal College officially opens
In April 2008, Namal College officially opened. The college was built by the Mianwali Development Trust and aimed to tackle unemployment.
2008: Revelation about Editing of "Indus Journey"
It was revealed in 2008 that Imran Khan's second book, Indus Journey: A Personal View of Pakistan, required heavy editing from the publisher Jeremy Lewis.
2010: Biographical Film "Kaptaan: The Making of a Legend" Released
In 2010, a Pakistani production house released a biographical film about Imran Khan's life, titled Kaptaan: The Making of a Legend, which depicted his cricket career, philanthropic efforts, and educational contributions.
2010: IKF supports victims of the 2010 Pakistan floods.
In 2010, the Imran Khan Foundation was one of the organizations that supported victims of the 2010 Pakistan floods.
June 2011: High Approval Rating and Descriptions of Khan
In June 2011, a Pew Research Center poll revealed Imran Khan had a 68% approval rating. Richard Leiby described Khan as an underdog, noting his pro-democracy liberal stance combined with ties to conservative Islamist parties. H.M. Naqvi compared Khan to a "Ron Paul figure," highlighting his lack of corruption and anti-establishment message.
October 2011: Massive Public Gathering in Lahore
In October 2011, Khan addressed over 100,000 supporters in Lahore, challenging the government's policies and referring to his movement as a "tsunami."
November 2011: IKF launches interest-free loan project
In November 2011, The IKF launched a project for disbursing interest-free loans to low-income families in the Nowshera District under the umbrella of Akhuwat Foundation.
December 2011: Successful Public Gathering in Karachi
In December 2011, Khan held a successful public gathering of thousands of supporters in Karachi.
2011: Khan's Autobiography Published
In 2011, Imran Khan's autobiography was published, detailing his transition from cricketer to politician and the challenges he faced in his philanthropic work.
March 8, 2012: PTI Tops Popular Political Parties in Pakistan
On March 8, 2012, according to a survey conducted by the International Republican Institute (IRI), Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) topped the list of popular political parties in Pakistan at the national level, with 31% of the vote.
October 2012: Protest Against US Drone Strikes
In October 2012, Khan joined a vehicle caravan of protesters from Islamabad to South Waziristan against US drone missile strikes.
January 2013: IKF announces emergency relief project for IDPs
In January 2013, The IKF announced a Rs30 million emergency relief project for internally displaced persons (IDPs) from North Waziristan, providing food, winter essentials, and tents to 2,600 families.
March 2013: Introduction of Naya Pakistan Resolution
In March 2013, Khan introduced the Naya Pakistan Resolution (New Pakistan) at the start of his election campaign.
March 2013: IKF signs agreement to establish solar charging stations
In March 2013, the IKF signed an agreement with the Buksh Foundation to establish solar charging stations in 4,000 off-grid villages in collaboration with Coca-Cola, Zong, and Engro Corporation.
April 2013: Final Public Relations Campaign for 2013 Election
In April 2013, Khan launched his final public relations campaign for the 2013 Pakistani general election from Lahore, addressing thousands of supporters. He announced plans to pull Pakistan out of the war on terror and introduce a uniform education system.
May 2013: Parliamentary Leader and Criticism for Support
Following the 2013 elections, Khan became the parliamentary leader of his party. In May 2013, Khan was criticised for his support for Sami-ul-Haq and for providing funds to his seminary.
2013: Mohammed Hanif Comments on Khan's Support Base
After the 2013 Pakistani general election, Mohammed Hanif wrote in The Guardian that Imran Khan's support appeals mainly to the educated middle class, which is not large enough in Pakistan to form a majority.
2013: Judicial Commission Findings on 2013 Elections
In 2013, Khan entered into an agreement with the Sharif administration in March 2015 to establish a three-member high-powered judicial commission, which would be formed under a presidential ordinance.
2013: PTI Becomes Second-Largest Party
In 2013, PTI became the second-largest party by popular vote in the general election.
2013: 2013 General Election and Allegations of Vote-Rigging
In 2013, the Pakistani general election was held on 11 May. Nawaz Sharif and his party secured victory, but there were allegations of vote-rigging. Khan's party emerged as the leading party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the second-largest party nationwide. Khan conceded defeat but vowed to release a "white paper" on the alleged vote-rigging and pledged to hold protests. He praised the record voter turnout.
2013: Call for Apology to Bangladesh
On Pakistan Day in 2013, Imran Khan called on the Pakistani government to apologize to Bangladesh for the atrocities committed in 1971 by the Pakistan Army, becoming the first Pakistani leader to demand an official apology on live TV.
February 2014: Motion to remove Imran Khan as chancellor of University of Bradford
In February 2014, the University of Bradford Union floated a motion to remove Imran Khan from the post of chancellor, citing his absence from graduation ceremonies since 2010.
September 2014: Ayesha Siddiqa on Khan's Political Tone
In September 2014, Ayesha Siddiqa commented on Imran Khan's change in political tone, cautioning him to consider how he would handle the consequences if he became prime minister.
November 2014: Imran Khan steps down as chancellor of University of Bradford
In November 2014, Imran Khan announced that he would step down as chancellor of the University of Bradford on November 30, citing his "increasing political commitments."
2014: Condemnation of Forced Conversions
In 2014, Imran Khan condemned forced conversions as un-Islamic after the Pakistani Taliban announced armed struggle against Ismailis and the Kalash people, and he also condemned forced conversions of Hindu girls in Sindh.
2014: PTI Rally Featured in Nickelback Music Video
In 2014, a music video by Nickelback for "Edge of a Revolution" featured a clip of a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally, including party flags and a poster of Imran Khan.
March 2015: Agreement for Judicial Commission
In March 2015, Khan agreed with the Sharif administration to establish a judicial commission to investigate election rigging allegations, facilitated by the military.
July 2015: Judicial Commission Findings on 2013 Elections
In July 2015, the judicial commission's findings concluded that the 2013 general elections were largely fair and in accordance with the law. Khan accepted the findings but expressed reservations.
January 2016: Efforts to Resolve Iran-Saudi Arabia Conflict
On 8 January 2016, Imran Khan visited the embassies of Iran and Saudi Arabia in Islamabad, urging the Pakistani government to play a positive role in resolving the conflict after the Execution of Nimr al-Nimr.
May 2018: PTI announces 100-day agenda
In May 2018, Imran Khan's party, PTI, announced a 100-day agenda for a potential future government, focusing on reforms in various sectors including law and order, tribal areas, and relations with Baloch leaders.
August 2018: Imran Khan Becomes Prime Minister
In August 2018, Imran Khan became the 19th Prime Minister of Pakistan, serving until April 2022.
August 2018: Nomination and appointments after election
In August 2018, Imran Khan was officially nominated as the candidate for Prime Minister. He pledged public accountability and made key appointments, including Asad Umar as Finance Minister and various provincial governors and speakers.
August 2018: Khan sworn in as Prime Minister
On August 18, 2018, Imran Khan was sworn in as the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan, emphasizing governance based on Islamic principles. He appointed key officials, including Sohail Mahmood as Foreign Secretary and Lt. General Asim Munir as Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence.
2018: Beginning of Khan's Premiership
In 2018, Imran Khan began his tenure as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
2018: Khan contests and wins multiple constituencies in Pakistani general election
In 2018, Imran Khan contested the Pakistani general election from multiple constituencies and won in all five, surpassing Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's record. His party, PTI, secured a plurality in the National Assembly, although the opposition alleged vote rigging.
2018: Michael Kugelman Remarks on Imran Khan's Pro-Iran Statements
In 2018, following the Pakistani general election, Michael Kugelman of the Wilson Center noted Imran Khan's overtly pro-Iran sentiments, stating it was unusual for a top Pakistani leader to express such sympathies towards Iran.
November 2019: Inauguration of Kartarpur Corridor
On November 9, 2019, Imran Khan formally inaugurated the Kartarpur Corridor, providing visa-free access for Indian Sikh pilgrims.
2019: Locust Infestation Response
In 2019, Khan's government responded to a severe locust infestation, declaring a national emergency.
2019: Record Hydropower Generation by WAPDA
In 2019, WAPDA reported record hydropower generation, a 20% increase from the previous year.
2019: Reduction in Terrorist Attacks
In 2019, there was a 13% reduction in terrorist attacks in Pakistan compared to the previous year.
April 2020: Government rolls out welfare program
In April 2020, Imran Khan's government launched the largest welfare program in Pakistan's history, worth nearly $1 billion, to support the country's poorest populations affected by the pandemic.
June 2020: Signing of Kohala Hydropower Project
In June 2020, the $2.5 billion Kohala Hydropower Project (1,124 MW) was signed.
October 2020: Locust Crisis Under Control
By October 2020, Pakistan managed to bring the locust crisis under control, with commendation from the Food and Agriculture Organization.
October 2020: Addressing Global Extremism and Islamophobia
In October 2020, Khan addressed global extremism and hate speech, urging Facebook to ban Islamophobic content.
2021: Report on Austerity Measures
A 2021 report highlighted significant savings from austerity measures, including a 49% reduction in the Prime Minister's House expenses.
2021: Imran Khan Congratulates Taliban and Urges Support
Following the 2021 Fall of Kabul, Imran Khan congratulated the Taliban for their victory and called on the international community to support their new government. Khan also mentioned his government was negotiating a peace deal with the Pakistani Taliban.
March 2022: UN Designates International Day to Combat Islamophobia
In March 2022, the United Nations designated 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, based on a resolution presented by Khan's government.
April 2022: Imran Khan Removed from Office
In April 2022, Imran Khan was removed from office as Prime Minister of Pakistan.
April 2022: Removal from Prime Minister Office
In April 2022, Imran Khan was removed from office through a no-confidence motion.
June 2022: FATF Decides to Remove Pakistan from Grey List
In June 2022, FATF decided to remove Pakistan from the grey list, recognizing the completion of both the 2018 and 2021 action plans.
October 2022: Pakistan Officially Removed from FATF Grey List
In October 2022, Pakistan was officially removed from the grey list after a successful FATF on-site visit.
2022: End of Khan's Premiership
In 2022, Imran Khan's time as the Prime Minister of Pakistan came to an end.
March 2023: Increase in Approval Ratings
A Gallup Pakistan survey published in March 2023 indicated an increase in approval ratings for Imran Khan to 61%.
2023: Imran Khan Resigns as Chairman of PTI
In 2023, Imran Khan resigned as chairman of the political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
June 2024: Imran Khan Writes Book in Prison
In June 2024, it was reported that Imran Khan has been writing a book while imprisoned, completing over 300 pages.
2030: Renewable Energy Target
By 2030, Khan's government aimed for a renewable energy target of 60% for Pakistan.
