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Imran Khan

Imran Khan is a Pakistani former cricketer, philanthropist, and politician.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Imran Khan is a Pakistani former cricketer, philanthropist, and politician who served as the 19th prime minister of Pakistan from August 2018 to April 2022. He is best known internationally for captaining Pakistan to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup. He founded and led the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political party.

Early life and cricket career

Khan was born in Lahore and played international cricket for Pakistan from the 1970s to 1992. He captained the national team for much of the 1980s and early 1990s, culminating in the 1992 World Cup win.

Political career

Khan entered politics in the mid-1990s and later founded PTI. He became prime minister in 2018 and was removed from office in 2022 after a parliamentary no-confidence vote.

Public image and philanthropy

Beyond sports and politics, Khan is known for philanthropy and public advocacy. His profile in Pakistan has remained influential and often polarizing.

Khan has faced multiple legal cases and arrests in the period after leaving office. Reuters reported in January 2025 that he had received a 14-year prison sentence in a land corruption case.

Key facts

  • Imran Khan was born on 5 October 1952 in Lahore, Pakistan.
  • He became Pakistan’s prime minister in 2018 and left office in 2022.
  • Before politics, he was an international cricketer and captain of Pakistan’s national team.
  • He led Pakistan to its only Cricket World Cup victory in 1992.
  • He founded and led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
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Canadian context

Imran Khan is relevant to Canadian readers through Canada’s Pakistani diaspora, international cricket coverage, and Canadian reporting on Pakistan’s political crises.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Imran Khan?
Imran Khan is a Pakistani former cricketer, philanthropist, and politician who served as prime minister of Pakistan from 2018 to 2022.
How old is Imran Khan?
He was born on 5 October 1952, so he is 73 years old as of 2026.
Who is Imran Khan’s wife?
He has been married to Jemima Goldsmith, Reham Khan, and Bushra Bibi.
What is Imran Khan’s arrest history?
He has faced several arrests and detentions in Pakistan after leaving office in 2022, amid a series of legal cases and political disputes.
What is Imran Khan’s cricket career?
He played for Pakistan from the 1970s to 1992, captained the national team for much of the 1980s and early 1990s, and led Pakistan to the 1992 Cricket World Cup title.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imran_Khan
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, cricket career, prime minister term, and leadership of Pakistan's 1992 World Cup win.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Imran-Khan
    Supports: Biography, birth date and place, political role, and 1992 Cricket World Cup victory.
  3. Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/imran-khan-pakistans-playboy-cricket-star-turned-pm-jailed-14-years-2025-01-17/
    Supports: Recent legal status and 14-year prison sentence in a land corruption case.
  4. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-19844270
    Supports: Political significance and continuing role in Pakistan's politics after leaving office.