Imran Khan's sons back... Pakistan by AFP

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Player:	Imran Khan
Event:	England in Pakistan 2005/06

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DateLine: 28th October 2005

 

Former cricket great Imran Khan's two sons by his British ex-wife Friday pledged their support for Pakistan in the upcoming series against England.

 

"It's exciting to visit a cricket stadium and I back Pakistan to win the series because I am a Pakistani," said nine-year-old Suleiman Khan as he and Qasim, six, watched an England training session at Rawalpindi cricket stadium.

 

Suleiman, a grade two student at a top London school, and Qasim saw Ashes winners England being put through their paces for over an hour and were greeted by England spinner Ashley Giles.

 

Khan -- a legendary allrounder in 1970s and 80s who is now a politician in his native country -- divorced socialite Jemima Goldsmith in June last year after nine years of marriage.

 

Khan, who played 82 Tests for Pakistan and led his country to their only World Cup win in Australia in 1992, married the daughter of British tycoon James Goldsmith in 1995.

 

Jemima converted to Islam but struggled to settle in Pakistan, where she endured controversy over her Jewish heritage. She is currently in a relationship with British movie star Hugh Grant.

 

The two boys now live with their mother in Britain by mutual consent but regularly visit their father in Pakistan.

 

Suleiman, a fast bowling all-rounder like his father, said he was proud of his dad's achievements in cricket. "He (Imran) often tells me about his achievements in cricket but at times I forget them," he joked.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)