HYDERABAD – Indian Congress leader and former India captain MohammedAzharuddin on Friday said he expected cricketer-turned-politician ImranKhan, whose party was eyeing to form government in Pakistan, to take bolddecisions like he did while leading the neighbouring country’s cricket team.
Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the single largest partyin the polls but was short of the majority mark. He was currently leadingthe race to be the country’s next prime minister.
Azharuddin who faced Khan’s ferocious bowling when the two were playinginternational matches for their respective countries some three decadesago, also said the road ahead for the former Pakistani skipper was not abed of roses and there were many issues that he had to set right.
“The decisions he took on the cricket field were very positive, very boldand individualistic decisions as a captain. He should do that only (once hebecomes prime minister of his country),” the former India captain told PTI.
“But then we will have to wait and watch what will happen. Leading acountry and leading a cricket team are totally two different things. So weneed to see what he will do,” he added.
Asked if there would be any positive impact on Indo-Pak relations once Khanbecame the prime minister, Azharuddin said he had to ensure that animositywas reduced between the two neighbours.
“First of all, there are so many problems in his country. First he has tosolve those problems. Then only he can look to solve other problems, hesaid.
He said talks could happen with Pakistan but there were many things toconsider.
“But, when you have have so much of animosity and so much of infiltrationwas happening, I think it is very difficult for talks to take place. Firstthose things have to stop, then only India will (come forward to) talk.They have to set right so many things,” Azharuddin, a former MP, said.
He said he was yet to congratulate Khan and adding that he was happy to seea cricketer become the prime minister of a country which was a very rarething.