Miandad reveals revolt by top players in 1992 Cup

Miandad told a private television channel last night that Wasim and Rameez had the support of other players, who were not ready to take Imran’s domineering attitude.

“The revolt took place before the semi-final against New Zealand. But I stepped in and convinced the players to play under the captaincy of Imran,” Miandad claimed.

Miandad, one of the most colourful characters in Pakistan cricket who has coached the side thrice after his retirement, had a love-hate relationship with Imran whom he had blamed for instigating a revolt against him in 1993 when Miandad was captain. Miandad was the obvious successor to the captaincy after Imran retired in 1992 after Pakistan had won the World Cup in Australia.

But in 1993, Akram, Rameez and Waqar Younis led another revolt, this time against Miandad’s captaincy and the left-arm pacer was made the skipper of the side, which created a bad blood among the players.

Recalling the 1992 World Cup, Miandad said the players were not happy with Imran for not bowling more in the tournament because of his fitness issues and also due to his domineering attitude.

“I know for a fact that the players had nicknamed Imran as “metre” for his attitude. The revolt came before the semi-final but I managed to convince the players to play on. God then gave us success,” Miandad said. He claimed Imran suddenly decided to retire before the 1992 tour to England because he was aware of the revolt and didn’t want to carry on anymore. Miandad also claimed playing a big role in making Imran the captain in 1982.

Imran has now formed his political party, Tehreek-e-Insaaf, and is a vocal opposition leader. He is Pakistan’s most successful captain and led Pakistan between 1982 and 1992 with considerable success.