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Imran Khan: The Cricketer, the Celebrity, the Politician
The definitive biography of Imran Khan, the former Pakistan cricket captain and all-rounder?the Oxbridge graduate and vociferous campaigner; the devout Muslim whose kaleidoscopic social life flooded the gossip columns; the man who raised $60 million for cancer research and who is now one of the most important political figures in Pakistan. On one thing, Imran Khan's friends and enemies it all began with the leopard print satin trousers. In November 1974, the Cricketer International published an article about the new elite group of young talented players, "into concepts like fashion and pop music," and bent on challenging cricket's eternal stereotypes. Of the five featured stars on the cover, a superbly hirsute 21-year-old wearing a tight black shirt and gaudy trousers, with a facial expression of supreme self-confidence, stood out. Imran Khan has always been a controversial figure, a man who gives rise to hot debate on account of his strong conviction and hard line views. From his achievements on the cricket field as the Pakistan captain who captured the World Cup and the game's best all-rounder in history, through to his racy social life?the practicing Muslim boogieing on the dancefloor of Annabel's; an "astonishing lovemaker," according to one overnight partner; praised by Diana Princess of Wales, close friend to his then wife Jemima Goldsmith, as a "devoted husband"?the Imran story is full of color and contradictions. Acclaimed biographer Christopher Sandford has approached a richly varied cast list of Imran associates past and present?from Geoff Boycott, Javed Miandad, Mike Brearley, David Gower, and John Major through to Nelson Mandela and close acquaintances such as Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, John Major, Keith Richards, sources close to the late Princess of Wales, and Pakistan's General Musharraf. Imran Khan himself and his ex-wife Jemima have agreed to be interviewed for the book and given Sandford exclusive access to Imran's inner sanctum.
402 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
68 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Sandford
83 books28 followersChristopher Sandford has published acclaimed biographies of Kurt Cobain, Steve McQueen, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Keith Richards, Paul McCartney, and Roman Polanski. He has worked as a film and music writer and reviewer for over 20 years and frequently contributes to newspapers and magazines on both sides of the Atlantic. Rolling Stone has called him "the preeminent author in his field today."
His latest project, MASTERS OF MYSTERY (forthcoming November 2011, Palgrave Macmillan) explores Arthur Conan Doyle's and Harry Houdini's incredible friendship and fascination with Spiritualism.
His latest project, MASTERS OF MYSTERY (forthcoming November 2011, Palgrave Macmillan) explores Arthur Conan Doyle's and Harry Houdini's incredible friendship and fascination with Spiritualism.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 9, 2019
Yet another biography of Imran Khan,after two he had written himself.
It would have been more readable without the details of obscure cricket matches,particularly from English county cricket.There are a few factual inaccuracies as well.Provides an analysis of Imran Khan's personality and the manner in which he transformed himself into a sporting and glamour icon despite the struggling start to his international career.It is also a history of Pakistan cricket during the Imran era with all its triumphs and controversies,of which there were plenty.
It would have been more readable without the details of obscure cricket matches,particularly from English county cricket.There are a few factual inaccuracies as well.Provides an analysis of Imran Khan's personality and the manner in which he transformed himself into a sporting and glamour icon despite the struggling start to his international career.It is also a history of Pakistan cricket during the Imran era with all its triumphs and controversies,of which there were plenty.
July 4, 2012
I always have been fascinated by the world of Imran Khan. Therefore when I fell upon this book while browsing through a bookshop, I had to own it and read it, in the due process.
It gave me an insight into his childhood days. His cousin whose word,Imran Khan trusted like anything. Then his mother was not interested in sending him abroad, but he went there like his cousins. At first it took him time to adjust but then soon he became a "Rockstar". In short a rage among young white British girls (something many in sub-continent still try to do).
His run-ins with Pakistan Cricket Board, the whole Regionalism and then Javed Minadad. The fact that he was a slow bolwer in 1978 tour but he worked on his action and became lethal by 1980.Later as his pace went down in late 1980s, his batting improved. Most importantly his dislike for the second wave Militant-feminist ( I really liked it there). The book also gives an account where Imran Khan's mother wanted him to get married to Benazir Bhutto (Imran has refuted it) though one wonders what it would have been like.
The biography give a good insight into the "rockstar" of South Asian cricketing society. II certainly enjoyed reading it.
It gave me an insight into his childhood days. His cousin whose word,Imran Khan trusted like anything. Then his mother was not interested in sending him abroad, but he went there like his cousins. At first it took him time to adjust but then soon he became a "Rockstar". In short a rage among young white British girls (something many in sub-continent still try to do).
His run-ins with Pakistan Cricket Board, the whole Regionalism and then Javed Minadad. The fact that he was a slow bolwer in 1978 tour but he worked on his action and became lethal by 1980.Later as his pace went down in late 1980s, his batting improved. Most importantly his dislike for the second wave Militant-feminist ( I really liked it there). The book also gives an account where Imran Khan's mother wanted him to get married to Benazir Bhutto (Imran has refuted it) though one wonders what it would have been like.
The biography give a good insight into the "rockstar" of South Asian cricketing society. II certainly enjoyed reading it.
March 12, 2012
it's hard for me to judge this book based on how it was written. firstly, i only skimmed bits of it, since i only wanted to know some more stuff about imran khan. who, by the way, happened to be one of my, like, biggest heroes ever. after reading this book i've never looked at him the same way. how's that for an enlightening biography?
January 16, 2015
Go nawaz go
September 21, 2012
Imran Khan - Humanising Contradictions.
Imran Khan comes as a different person to different people: Proud; Inspiring; Arrogant; Obsessive; Stubborn; and even Hypocrite. He qualifies as a natural leader and probably the greatest all-rounder of his times.
More than a sports biography, this well-researched book covers almost every aspect of life: his family background, his emergence in cricket and subsequent graduation to being the greatest all-rounder in the game, his love-hate relationship with the cricket administrations, both in England and Pakistan, his team mates and fellow players, his numerous affairs, his failed marriage, the political & economic scenario of Pakistan, and finally, his Political movement.
Yet, the picture remains incomplete.
Though the book does not judge him, it tends to take pro-Imran stand, which is quite justified. It never explores the relationship he shares with the most important people in his life; be it his mother, Jemima Goldsmith, his children or his cousins. The victory in 1992 World Cup and his famous captaincy shuffle game with Javed Miandad are engaging reads, but could have been more elaborate. The transformation and his entry into Politics are not brought convincingly enough, though he remains loyal to his political stand.
His struggle to raise funds for the cancer hospital, his conflicting ideologies, first with Cricket boards, and later, with the State President are well documented.
A relevant, good read but there is always this other side of Imran Khan which remains unexplored.
Imran Khan comes as a different person to different people: Proud; Inspiring; Arrogant; Obsessive; Stubborn; and even Hypocrite. He qualifies as a natural leader and probably the greatest all-rounder of his times.
More than a sports biography, this well-researched book covers almost every aspect of life: his family background, his emergence in cricket and subsequent graduation to being the greatest all-rounder in the game, his love-hate relationship with the cricket administrations, both in England and Pakistan, his team mates and fellow players, his numerous affairs, his failed marriage, the political & economic scenario of Pakistan, and finally, his Political movement.
Yet, the picture remains incomplete.
Though the book does not judge him, it tends to take pro-Imran stand, which is quite justified. It never explores the relationship he shares with the most important people in his life; be it his mother, Jemima Goldsmith, his children or his cousins. The victory in 1992 World Cup and his famous captaincy shuffle game with Javed Miandad are engaging reads, but could have been more elaborate. The transformation and his entry into Politics are not brought convincingly enough, though he remains loyal to his political stand.
His struggle to raise funds for the cancer hospital, his conflicting ideologies, first with Cricket boards, and later, with the State President are well documented.
A relevant, good read but there is always this other side of Imran Khan which remains unexplored.
February 23, 2019
The book could have done with a lot of editing. Some quotes / facts were repeated three times at least. The details of county games played were equally boring. Early into the book simple facts stated incorrectly - example Sunday being thought of as the day for prayers for Muslims by the author (its actually Friday) - made me wonder where else the author had taken liberty with facts.
Only key take away - be persistent like Imran Khan if you want to achieve anything in life “be like a cornered tiger”
Only key take away - be persistent like Imran Khan if you want to achieve anything in life “be like a cornered tiger”
December 30, 2017
Imran khan - Engaging in bits and pieces; not a perfect biography though. It kept longing me for more - the narrative was tad boring and it could have been made more interesting.
May 28, 2016
Right-Arm… Over The Wicket… Off Cutter… Bowled!!!!!!!!
Batsman was yet to understand when did the ball released from hand and when did it reached the stumps, all he realized was off the gloves, bat pressed in wet armpit and there was the pavilion.
Off you go… Better luck next time… Give my love to your sister…
Shall I say cricket playboy? Shall I say every dream girl’s HBK?
When he was bowling with a breathtaking run-up, he looked like Tony Montana firing ‘Say Hello To My Little Friend’.
Born in Lahore and settled in Mianwali. Blood of a Pathan and rooting from Niazis and Burkis. Descendant of Pir Roshan and ex son-in-law of Goldsmiths. Alumni of Oxford and Chancellor of Bradford. Winner of World Cup and Builder of Hospital. 2 sons from Jemima and 1 daughter from Sita. Imran Khan is the Cricketer, the Celebrity, the Politician and that’s the book I just finished reading.
This book was written and published in 2009 by arguably one of finest biographer Christopher Sandford, who also wrote biographies of many great legends like ‘Primitive Tool’ on Mick Jagger in 1993, ‘Edge of Darkness’ on Eric Clapton in 1994, ‘Kurt Cobain’ in 1995, ‘Loving the Alien’ on David Bowie in 1996, ‘Satisfaction’ on Keith Richards in 2003 and ‘Polanski’ on Roman Polanski in 2007 in past couple of decades.
Published by Harper Collins, comprised of 402 pages and 10 very interesting chapters, Sandford’s pen proved no ink miscarriage or bleaking malfunction as the man in limelight was properly life-summarized. The book is like an exclusive documentary or the making of a legend. While reading the pages, you are sensing some footage playing in your clouds of imagination.
Sandford put three years of his efforts to shape this book from 2006 to 2008. During these years, he conducted many interviews with many personalities linked/associated to Imran’s life and career like Mike Brearley, Geoff Boycott, Javed Miandad, Parvez Musharraf and Jemima Khan-Goldsmith. He also collected the cricketing sources from different cricket administrations, Cricinfo and county clubs. Many of the incidents and quotations have been picked from various books including Imran’s The Autobiography, All-Round View and Indus Journey, plus various books written on/by Botham, Miandad, Atherton, Sobers and Parvez Musharraf. The author also conducted his 3 most prominent interviews with Imran Khan in 2008.
I had read Javed Miandad’s Cutting Edge where he reflected his cricketing career and dirty games played behind the scenes. So after reading that book, it was easy for me to now understand Immy’s take on all this. The difference was literature; Miandad’s story flows like a river but Imran’s corner details more fish in the river.
Sandford depict his deep research towards Pakistan cricket and the first 2 chapters will give you an idea how good he is in describing the gear-shifting of Pakistan cricket from 50’s to 60’s. In these chapters, enter the central character and his family tree and relatives are penned in detail.
Even the smallest account/incident means a lot for the readers to know the iconic leader as he once bribed a policeman in his teen-hood and enjoyed ammi’s scolding. While his cricket-level moves with his education from Quaid-e-Azam Trophy to County cricket, political environment in the surrounding proceeds like East Pakistan partition to Bangladesh and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto regime.
Third chapter is his account on his university-level and county cricket, beginning of international cricket career and his life in England. Fourth chapter depicts life in Sussex county, political crisis of late 70’s and further more tours including 1979 World Cup. And the chapters proceed on and on.
The readers will exhume with excitement of enjoying reading his high-profile affairs with many ladies that prominently includes painter Emma Sergeant, fashion guru Susannah Constantine and former German VJ of MTV Europe Kristiane Backer. Controversial case of Imran’s affair with Sita White is sensitively not protracted as I was expecting. But he is never bothered to call her ‘Drama Queen’.
1992 World Cup story is the one which will bring that josh-e-junoon page by page as magnificent comeback is enthralling when you read it match by match. In all cricketing tours Imran participated, with obvious picking, it is the great West Indian team against whom Imran was always concerned.
Imran’s philanthropy in book is adverted towards foundation of integrity and prosperity with the qualities in Imran has been assembled. Building of Pakistan’s first Cancer Hospital is one of achievements by Imran, the inspiration came after the death of his mother, Mrs. Shaukat Khanum, from cancer. For the purpose of laying foundation and shape into functioning, Sandford has penned sporadically Imran’s effort of fundraising from campaigns, shows, parties, exhibition games and earnings from his playing career.
Any reader like me will find a wide range of descriptions of his relationship with Javed Miandad. At many situations, Miandad’s book Cutting Edge has been used as an instance where indirectly the (mis)understanding between the two is reflected and perhaps become debatable. Most alarmingly, when it comes to the most strangest decision of Imran’s captaincy of declaring the inning when Miandad on crease is 20 runs short of triple century. The arguments don’t match and I feel scratching my head after knowing Imran’s reason of declaration.
How can the biography over Imran’s life be without the biggest happening since his cricketing career. Entry of Jemima Goldsmith and launching of his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Pakistan Movement for Justice). From here, when more than half of book has been read, the most critical writing pledges. Sandford surpasses the expectation of translating Imran’s most critical and beyond challenging life into mind-frame of footages. Many many aspects are surrendered to throw in Imran’s way like rivalries with politicians Altaf Hussain and Nawaz Sharif, General Musharraf’s imposing of martial law and beginning of his dictatorial regime, a disturbed marriage with Jemima, libel case against Ian Botham and Allan Lamb, and failure in general elections.
Politics has no bound from here, as he majorly targets former President Parvez Musharraf and his government for being US ally, and destroying Pakistan’s welfare for many incidents. Cricket fixtures continue to echo in all this. Sandford do increase the volume of Imran over major incidents occurred in Pakistan cricket like 2003 World Cup, India’s 2004 tour of Pakistan and Hair-Inzamam controversy.
The book from all aspects is a complete Imran Khan book. The first impression of reader surely comes as a sports biography but the title is enough to convince you that this is the ultimate book where Imran plays 3 different roles, not only as a cricketer but also as a celebrity and politician. The book is absolute frank of his good deeds and wrong-doings. This biography is an absolute and worth reading for all Immy-lovers. Reader will be moved while moving towards different phases of his life. Visualize the footage of the great ironic legend while speaking it’s pages.
Batsman was yet to understand when did the ball released from hand and when did it reached the stumps, all he realized was off the gloves, bat pressed in wet armpit and there was the pavilion.
Off you go… Better luck next time… Give my love to your sister…
Shall I say cricket playboy? Shall I say every dream girl’s HBK?
When he was bowling with a breathtaking run-up, he looked like Tony Montana firing ‘Say Hello To My Little Friend’.
Born in Lahore and settled in Mianwali. Blood of a Pathan and rooting from Niazis and Burkis. Descendant of Pir Roshan and ex son-in-law of Goldsmiths. Alumni of Oxford and Chancellor of Bradford. Winner of World Cup and Builder of Hospital. 2 sons from Jemima and 1 daughter from Sita. Imran Khan is the Cricketer, the Celebrity, the Politician and that’s the book I just finished reading.
This book was written and published in 2009 by arguably one of finest biographer Christopher Sandford, who also wrote biographies of many great legends like ‘Primitive Tool’ on Mick Jagger in 1993, ‘Edge of Darkness’ on Eric Clapton in 1994, ‘Kurt Cobain’ in 1995, ‘Loving the Alien’ on David Bowie in 1996, ‘Satisfaction’ on Keith Richards in 2003 and ‘Polanski’ on Roman Polanski in 2007 in past couple of decades.
Published by Harper Collins, comprised of 402 pages and 10 very interesting chapters, Sandford’s pen proved no ink miscarriage or bleaking malfunction as the man in limelight was properly life-summarized. The book is like an exclusive documentary or the making of a legend. While reading the pages, you are sensing some footage playing in your clouds of imagination.
Sandford put three years of his efforts to shape this book from 2006 to 2008. During these years, he conducted many interviews with many personalities linked/associated to Imran’s life and career like Mike Brearley, Geoff Boycott, Javed Miandad, Parvez Musharraf and Jemima Khan-Goldsmith. He also collected the cricketing sources from different cricket administrations, Cricinfo and county clubs. Many of the incidents and quotations have been picked from various books including Imran’s The Autobiography, All-Round View and Indus Journey, plus various books written on/by Botham, Miandad, Atherton, Sobers and Parvez Musharraf. The author also conducted his 3 most prominent interviews with Imran Khan in 2008.
I had read Javed Miandad’s Cutting Edge where he reflected his cricketing career and dirty games played behind the scenes. So after reading that book, it was easy for me to now understand Immy’s take on all this. The difference was literature; Miandad’s story flows like a river but Imran’s corner details more fish in the river.
Sandford depict his deep research towards Pakistan cricket and the first 2 chapters will give you an idea how good he is in describing the gear-shifting of Pakistan cricket from 50’s to 60’s. In these chapters, enter the central character and his family tree and relatives are penned in detail.
Even the smallest account/incident means a lot for the readers to know the iconic leader as he once bribed a policeman in his teen-hood and enjoyed ammi’s scolding. While his cricket-level moves with his education from Quaid-e-Azam Trophy to County cricket, political environment in the surrounding proceeds like East Pakistan partition to Bangladesh and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto regime.
Third chapter is his account on his university-level and county cricket, beginning of international cricket career and his life in England. Fourth chapter depicts life in Sussex county, political crisis of late 70’s and further more tours including 1979 World Cup. And the chapters proceed on and on.
The readers will exhume with excitement of enjoying reading his high-profile affairs with many ladies that prominently includes painter Emma Sergeant, fashion guru Susannah Constantine and former German VJ of MTV Europe Kristiane Backer. Controversial case of Imran’s affair with Sita White is sensitively not protracted as I was expecting. But he is never bothered to call her ‘Drama Queen’.
1992 World Cup story is the one which will bring that josh-e-junoon page by page as magnificent comeback is enthralling when you read it match by match. In all cricketing tours Imran participated, with obvious picking, it is the great West Indian team against whom Imran was always concerned.
Imran’s philanthropy in book is adverted towards foundation of integrity and prosperity with the qualities in Imran has been assembled. Building of Pakistan’s first Cancer Hospital is one of achievements by Imran, the inspiration came after the death of his mother, Mrs. Shaukat Khanum, from cancer. For the purpose of laying foundation and shape into functioning, Sandford has penned sporadically Imran’s effort of fundraising from campaigns, shows, parties, exhibition games and earnings from his playing career.
Any reader like me will find a wide range of descriptions of his relationship with Javed Miandad. At many situations, Miandad’s book Cutting Edge has been used as an instance where indirectly the (mis)understanding between the two is reflected and perhaps become debatable. Most alarmingly, when it comes to the most strangest decision of Imran’s captaincy of declaring the inning when Miandad on crease is 20 runs short of triple century. The arguments don’t match and I feel scratching my head after knowing Imran’s reason of declaration.
How can the biography over Imran’s life be without the biggest happening since his cricketing career. Entry of Jemima Goldsmith and launching of his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Pakistan Movement for Justice). From here, when more than half of book has been read, the most critical writing pledges. Sandford surpasses the expectation of translating Imran’s most critical and beyond challenging life into mind-frame of footages. Many many aspects are surrendered to throw in Imran’s way like rivalries with politicians Altaf Hussain and Nawaz Sharif, General Musharraf’s imposing of martial law and beginning of his dictatorial regime, a disturbed marriage with Jemima, libel case against Ian Botham and Allan Lamb, and failure in general elections.
Politics has no bound from here, as he majorly targets former President Parvez Musharraf and his government for being US ally, and destroying Pakistan’s welfare for many incidents. Cricket fixtures continue to echo in all this. Sandford do increase the volume of Imran over major incidents occurred in Pakistan cricket like 2003 World Cup, India’s 2004 tour of Pakistan and Hair-Inzamam controversy.
The book from all aspects is a complete Imran Khan book. The first impression of reader surely comes as a sports biography but the title is enough to convince you that this is the ultimate book where Imran plays 3 different roles, not only as a cricketer but also as a celebrity and politician. The book is absolute frank of his good deeds and wrong-doings. This biography is an absolute and worth reading for all Immy-lovers. Reader will be moved while moving towards different phases of his life. Visualize the footage of the great ironic legend while speaking it’s pages.
December 30, 2024
This is likely the poorest book I have read all year. I came in hoping for a thoughtful recap and analysis of the life of Imran Khan.
To begin, I’m a Pakistani that grew up in North America and having actually not really grown up around cricket, I was thoroughly confused. This book does nothing to introduce cricket terminology and concepts to the lay person. It assumes everyone reading will be well versed in cricket. This automatically added several barrier to consumption.
This was a repetitive mess of a book. Repetitively, slogging over details that were neither interesting or informative to a point. It then harped repetitively on Imran Khan’s sexual promiscuity. It also repetitively dismissed any experience of racism.
This book was a shameful example of focusing on all the wrong details in a biography. It serves as a record of cricket scores and headlines, with no analysis or broader examination of themes. This in turn is useless and a broad waste of time.
I do not recommend this book at all. I’m going to seek out a different book and I recommend you do as well.
If the author is reading this, I recommend reading some Mitch Albom before you pick up another biographical project.
To begin, I’m a Pakistani that grew up in North America and having actually not really grown up around cricket, I was thoroughly confused. This book does nothing to introduce cricket terminology and concepts to the lay person. It assumes everyone reading will be well versed in cricket. This automatically added several barrier to consumption.
This was a repetitive mess of a book. Repetitively, slogging over details that were neither interesting or informative to a point. It then harped repetitively on Imran Khan’s sexual promiscuity. It also repetitively dismissed any experience of racism.
This book was a shameful example of focusing on all the wrong details in a biography. It serves as a record of cricket scores and headlines, with no analysis or broader examination of themes. This in turn is useless and a broad waste of time.
I do not recommend this book at all. I’m going to seek out a different book and I recommend you do as well.
If the author is reading this, I recommend reading some Mitch Albom before you pick up another biographical project.
July 7, 2017
I didn't enjoy it much. The book is more on his cricket field than his personal life.
January 9, 2024
Good
Good
Good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2010
Christopher Sandford hardly left any aspect of his subject's life unattended. "Imran Khan" provides a deep look into the personal and political life of Pakistan Cricket team's former captain. It is not a biography. It is more than that. It is a book about Pakistan, its politics, culture, and society. It tells the story of Imran Khan: greatest Pakistani sportsman of all ages, a great philanthropist, a politician, and a man with tremendous appeal for the opposite sex. A nice book to read and enjoy.
March 29, 2013
An amazing biography on Pakistan's most famous cricketer Imran Khan. The book revolves around two key traits of the Khans, and that is 'revenge' and 'pride'. Whenever somebody told Imran Khan that you cannot do it, he would make it a point to prove the person wrong. And being honest, he would ensure that he works hard to reach the top. He never preferred to take short cuts as short cuts were only temporary.
July 2, 2016
My review may not be a true reflection of the book as I read only a bit of it. Imran Khan, no doubt is a great person. Cricket is only one aspect of his diverse personality. I picked the book as I wanted to know more about him as a person and a leader. However, the book is almost completely revolving around his cricket career. I also found the writing style difficult.
I hope people more interested in the cricket career of this great person will find this book useful.
I hope people more interested in the cricket career of this great person will find this book useful.
June 5, 2016
A decent read spanning the many lives of Imran Khan. An extraordinary fast bowler, a superlative captain and a charismatic individual. This book showcases his complex life, marked by iconic sporting success and an equally disappointing political afterlife, in a just manner.
December 18, 2025
It is a very bold, sensational, and shocking read of probably one of the most famous cricketers of all time. At that time, when this book was released, KHAN was still struggling with his politics, but now he's probably one of the most popular leaders of his country as well.
March 1, 2011
Another revealing bio, though his ego seems to obscure some events.
Read
September 22, 2011imran khan the great man
October 13, 2013
Amazing book! Well I should rather say amazing life story. Man, this guy was quite something.
August 10, 2016
For anyone who wants to know about The King of Swing especially in view of all the balderdash in media about him.
Read
November 7, 2017good book to read
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews