Former Indian cricketer turned politician, Navjot Singh Sidhu was present in the oath ceremony of Pakistan’s Prime Minister on Saturday where the former World Cup-winning (1992) Pakistan cricket team captain Imran Khan took the oath as Pakistan’s 22nd Prime Minister. Sidhu was present at the ceremony with a special gift for his cricket friend.
In his international cricket career, Sidhu played a total of 11 matches (7 ODIs and 4 Tests) where Imran Khan played for the opponent team Pakistan. Despite playing for the rival teams, like the many Indian cricketers, Sidhu also has a good relationship with the former Pakistan World Cup-winning captain. Khan invited him for the oath ceremony which the former Indian cricketer accepted and also successfully attended.
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The chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan took the oath on Saturday at the President’s House (Aiwan-e-Sadr) in Islamabad. The oath ceremony started with the national anthem, followed by recitation of verses from the Holy Quran.
Before attending the ceremony, Sidhu revealed his special gift for the new Pakistan PM which was a Kashmiri shawl.
According to Deccan Chronicle, Sidhu said after reaching Lahore, “I have come here not as a politician but as a friend. I have brought a Kashmiri shawl for Khan sahib.”
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Reading a verse that he reportedly wrote before entering in Pakistan, Sidhu chanted “Hindustan jeevay, Pakistan jeevay.”
Sidhu believes on Imran Khan and he has a faith in his old cricket friend to lead the country to the new era.
Sidhu said about Khan, “I have seen Khan converting his weaknesses into his strength. I wish Imran becomes a symbol of prosperity (for his country).”
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In a speech at the ceremony, Khan said, “First of all, we will start strict accountability. I promise to my God that everyone who looted this country will be made accountable. I did not climb on any dictator’s shoulders; I reached this place after struggling for 22 years.”
