Pakistan: A Personal History by Imran Khan

Imran Khan’s Pakistan: A Personal History describes his journey from playboy cricketer through believer and charity worker to politician. His story is interwoven with highlights from Pakistan’s history. At times he seems to conflate his own destiny with that of Pakistan, and at others to be writing a beguilingly honest personal account.

Khan describes how youthful hedonism eventually gave way to faith. His cricketing life led him to realise that talent and dedication were no guarantee of success. In the end, he says, it comes down to luck. ‘Over the years I began to ask myself the question — could what we call luck actually be the will of God?’

Khan’s religious awakening was further stimulated by physical vulnerability. In 1982 Khan was at his peak as a fast bowler. Pakistan was becoming a force in international cricket and had ‘thrashed Australia and India comprehensively’. Khan felt invincible, but a stress fracture suddenly meant he was unable to bowl for two and a half years.