My name is Imran Khan. Does that ring a bell? Yes, I am named after the great Pakistani legend and I follow in his footsteps aspiring to be one day, as great as he was and leave behind a legacy which is greater. This has been my journey so far…

My first year of cricket in under 12 was mostly spent on the bench. I was clearly disappointed. My dad would try to keep me motivated and finally ran out of words to keep me inspired not to give up. Fortunately, the next season was better. When I entered the under 15 season, once again I was benched for almost every match. That is when I realized that as the level of the game moves up, so should I. I challenged myself, far beyond even my father’s expectations.

The under 17 season changed my life. It was the most significant year in which I became the highest wicket taker, recording my best figures including four 5 wicket hauls and helped our team on the path to a championship. This season was to be a stepping stone for greater aspects in my life.

Although I was given only a few 2nd XI matches, I knew I had a greater opportunity to open the bowling for the 1st XI team of my school, as no other person had performed as well as I had. The 1st XI team was to be announced in two days’ time before the first match of the season. Many expected that I would be included in the side. So did I. My heart raced as my eyes descended on the list looking for my name. IT WASN’T THERE!!! I double checked. I thought it was a mistake. Dejected, I walked off my emotions in turmoil. The dream of representing my alma mater – Royal College – at the highest level was only a dream. The other members of the team expressed their disbelief and advised me not to lose heart.
I was added into the 2nd XI line up once again. I was determined to prove myself. In the very first match I scored a blazing 49, going last man and grabbed a match bag of nine wickets. After this performance, they couldn’t hide me. I was one step closer to achieving my dream.

The next 1st XI match was to be played against St. Benedict’s College. The joy and relief that flooded over me when I saw my name in the team, was immense. All my efforts have finally borne fruit.
I can never forget that day when I took the field to play my very first, 1st XI match. The captain tossed the new ball to me saying, “Do what you were brought here to do.” I was determined. I bowled my first ball and heard the sweetest sound ever, of the ball hitting the wicket. I had bowled the batsman out with my very first delivery! This was more than I had prayed for. A dream debut with a wicket in the first ball! The rest as they say, is history.

The season was coming to an end and all the players were excited about the greatest of all our matches – The Royal - Thomian. We waited with baited breath for the team to be announced. Wearing the blue and gold striped blazer, listening to our school song being played and standing in front of a stadium packed with Royalists past and present, I realized I have achieved something phenomenal. It was a golden moment for me and most of all for my dear father. I made it. I finally made it.