Nawaz Sharif, not to be confused with the former Pakistani Prime Minister of the same name, may not have achieved great success as a cricketer, but his political career brought him to the forefront of Pakistani politics. Born on December 25, 1949, in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif made a significant impact in the political landscape of his country.
Although cricket was not his main claim to fame, Sharif did have some involvement in the sport. He is often referred to as a right-hand batsman who had a short-lived cricket career. His only appearance for Railways against PIA in 1973-74 resulted in a duck, which indicates that he was quickly dismissed without scoring any runs. While his stint on the cricket field may not have been noteworthy, it was his off-field endeavors that truly defined his legacy.
After his brief cricketing stint, Sharif turned his attention towards politics. He first rose to prominence in the 1980s as a protégé of the military dictator General Zia-ul-Haq. In November 1990, he assumed the position of Pakistan’s prime minister for the first time, serving until July 1993. During this tenure, Sharif focused on strengthening Pakistan’s economy and implementing various reforms.
However, his political career suffered a setback when he was removed from office in 1993 under controversial circumstances. Despite this setback, Sharif’s determination and political prowess propelled him back into power in February 1997. His second term as prime minister saw him embarking on various infrastructural projects, such as constructing motorways and expanding Pakistan’s telecommunication sector.
Unfortunately for Sharif, his second term was cut short when he was overthrown in a coup led by General Pervez Musharraf in October 1999. Following his ousting, Sharif was exiled to Saudi Arabia and faced a 21-year ban from holding public office. Despite the challenges he faced, Sharif remained resilient and determined to return to power.
In 2007, Sharif returned to Pakistan and continued his political journey. In the 2013 general elections, he emerged victorious, defeating his main opponent, Imran Khan, the former captain of the Pakistan cricket team. This win marked his third term as prime minister and showcased his enduring popularity among the Pakistani populace.
However, the tables would turn for Sharif in the 2018 general elections, as his rival Imran Khan’s party emerged as the victor. Khan succeeded Sharif as Pakistan’s prime minister, leading to a shift in the country’s political landscape.
Although Nawaz Sharif may not have left a lasting impact as a cricketer, his political career demonstrated his resilience, determination, and ability to connect with the people of Pakistan. Despite facing numerous challenges and controversies throughout his political journey, Sharif remains a significant figure in Pakistani politics, with his story exemplifying the complexities and ever-evolving nature of the country’s political arena.
