Imran Khan v Ben Stokes: Who is/was the more passionate cricketer?

[Rana]

I’m really fascinated by this question. It is quite personal to me as I am deeply passionate about this game, and I really admire the heart of Ben Stokes in this day and age. What a passionate cricketer! What a fighter.

I have heard stories about Imran Khan being this kind of inspirational in his time. Someone who can lift the performance of his side by just being named on the team sheet, an honour to share the field with. An honour to fight for, play for.

So what are your views? These are once in a lifetime cricketers, as you can see Imran Khan is one of the greatest winners in the history of Pakistan. Are there more cricketers who can be considered in this category?

 

[Last Monetarist]

Ian Botham was of the same ilk till about 1987, after which he became too fat and complacent.

Shane Warne is, of course, the obvious answer.

 

[Justcrazy]

Stokes has great potential, next 5 years we will see what more he achieves before arriving at any conclusion.

 

[BreadPakoda]

Difficult to measure passion but I’ll pick IK over Ben Stokes. IK’s bowling added much more value than Stokes batting and IK’s batting added almost similar value as Stokes bowling. IK leagues ahead as a leader.

Although if Ben Stokes wins England the next World Cup, he could prove himself to be one of the greatest ODI cricketers ever, ahead of Imran and maybe even ahead of Dhoni.

Long way to go.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Will see when Stokes become captain if he can shape a team with his passion. Until then its Imran for me.

 

[trickyone]

I saw his passion on a security cam when he was beating a man with his buddies...

 

[Savak]

IK was a mature, confident and content cricketer who was sure of his reputation, prestige and international celebrity status. He didn't need to do any theatrics except when telling off his team lol

 

[Ab Fan]

Stokes is very passionate but Imran was a great leader as well. I don't think Stokes has that captaincy quality in him. But he certainly lifts the performance of hai team by his mere presence.

 

[Robert]

“Passionate” - what does that mean?

They were both pressure players in tests and ODIs. Stokes better with the bat and the better fielder; Imran much better with the ball and an inspirational skipper.

 

[gazza619]

If Stokes can maintain his class for another 5 years then yes he would right up there with the legend Khan.

 

[Rightarmfast]

Imran Khan didnt need an umpire to win the world cup. he did it with his team.
I find no comparison. Imran Khan not only lifted his own game, he personally attended and shaped the careers of players. Dont see Stokes anywhere close!

 

[Robert]

If Stokes can maintain his class for another 5 years then yes he would right up there with the legend Khan.

Well, he isn’t going to get 360 wickets at 22 each. I think he will struggle to pass 200 at 30.

 

[Robert]

Imran Khan didnt need an umpire to win the world cup. he did it with his team.

He needed the group match against England to be rained off after Pakistan were bowled out for 70, though. Everyone needs a bit of luck somewhere to win the WC.