Skip to main content

The context you need, when you need it

When news breaks, you need to understand what actually matters — and what to do about it. At Vox, our mission to help you make sense of the world has never been more vital. But we can’t do it on our own.

We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. Will you support our work and become a Vox Member today?

Join now

How a cricket superstar became Pakistan’s prime minister

Why the world is watching Imran Khan.

Imran Khan was sworn in as Pakistan’s new prime minister on August 18, 2018, but he is no ordinary politician. Before rising to power, he was a dashing cricket superstar. He led the Pakistani cricket team to victory in the 1992 World Cup against England and became a global celebrity. He settled in England, where his popularity grew and where he was known as a bachelor.

He eventually resettled in Pakistan, where he shed his ladies-man image and established the political career that led him to become the head of Pakistan’s government. His strong anti-corruption message and his opposition to the political dynasties that have ruled Pakistan for decades helped him ascend to power. But many have accused him of also getting help from Pakistan’s most powerful authority: the military.

As Khan starts his tenure, we explore his rise to power and how Pakistan’s political climate might affect his term as prime minister.

Watch the video above to learn more about Imran Khan and the Pakistani military. You can find this video and all of Vox’s videos on YouTube. Subscribe for the latest.

More in Video

Video
Why Americans can’t escape credit card debtWhy Americans can’t escape credit card debt
Play
Video

Credit card APRs are now as high as 20 percent.

By Frank Posillico
Video
Why some couples are happier living apartWhy some couples are happier living apart
Play
Video

This growing relationship trend might change the way you think about living with your romantic partner.

By Gina Pollack
Video
The strange myth behind carrots and night visionThe strange myth behind carrots and night vision
Play
Video

How we fell for World War II propaganda.

By Nate Krieger
Video
Are team sports the secret to living longer?Are team sports the secret to living longer?
Play
Video

How a basketball league for “grannies” is reimagining aging.

By Benjamin Stephen
Video
How Georgia manufactured the Peach State mythHow Georgia manufactured the Peach State myth
Play
Video

It was never really about the fruit.

By Frank Posillico
Video
How smart design can benefit senior livingHow smart design can benefit senior living
Play
Video

And why it matters for retirement communities.

By Lindsey Sitz