25th March 1992 

  

Dear Diary,  

  

For so long I have yearned for this moment – I finally succeeded as a cricketer, and led my mighty nation to victory in the Cricket World Cup. Here, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, we have made history. The grass is dewy and fresh, and as I run, the wind sweeps behind me and I feel invincible. My hands cusp the turf: the marvelous pitch which gave us the right amount of bounce for our own Sultans of Swing.  

  

In an instant, I am lifted high into the sky, resting on the shoulders of my teammates, and I grasp tightly onto the trophy. It looks radiant in the Australian weather, scorching and unrelenting, the name ‘PAKISTAN’ reflects in the sunlight. I couldn’t have been prouder to be a patriot, to come from a country of K2, Masala Chai and now, World Cup champions.  

  

I look to my left and grin as I see Wasim Akram, the youngster cheering in delight. His swinging Yorkers were like nothing you had seen before, and his pace like the speed of lightning. Steve Bucknor and Brian Alridge, the umpires, were grinning too. What a rare sight that was!   

  

And the fans, who could forget the fans? Every boundary, every chhakka, every wicket, I could hear every, single, one of their chants. 22 runs, and we’ve finally entered the world stage.  

  

I owe it all to my country, and if I’ve learned anything from the World Cup, it is that Pakistan is a rich and diverse nation brimming with talent, and yearning for change. This victory has given me strength and has shown me that I can do anything if I am steadfast in my pursuit and work hard to achieve my goals.     

  

I have decided to make a hospital named after my mother, The Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre to help young people in need from all over the world to help their fight against cancer. To help those In need and to strive for everyone who needs us.  

  

I will do whatever is right for my country and it will be my goal to help my family and friends, my mates and my peers, my fellow citizens and the people all around the world.  I will help them and even though I cant help everyone in the world, well it's worth a try.   

  

Pakistan is my home, and I am so proud to come from a country full of passionate and hearty people. I will endeavour to live up to Jinnah’s hopes for our nation and make Pakistan a just, humane and safe country for its people.  

  

Imran Khan