Born: Lahore, Pakistan.
Age: 43.
Who is he? Cricket hero. Devout, extremely rich Muslim. A thinking woman's fantasy, once an eligible playboy, last year he married British socialite Jemima Goldsmith, daughter of Sir James Goldsmith, a billionaire.
Why's he in the news? Just announced he is to turn his Tehreek e Insaaf (justice movement) into a political party.
Is he mad? Has long harboured political ambition, although he states: "I don't believe in parliamentary democracy. Nobody can speak the truth in a party based system."
Accused both the government of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and opposition of Nawaz Sharif of incompetence and corruption.
Imran is founder of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust Hospital in Lahore, recently damaged by a bomb.
Background: Son of a wealthy engineer, proud of his Pathan ancestry, he arrived in Britain in 1971 with the Pakistan cricket team.
Remained in Britain to take A levels in Worcester Royal Grammar School. Played cricket with county team.
At Oxford University he studied politics and economics to "learn the English class system" (1973).
Joined Kerry Packer's cricket circus in 1977.
Admitted tampering with the ball during a county match in 1981.
Rose to glory as leader of a very divided Pakistan team which destroyed India during the 1982-1983 series, then went on to crush England.
Retired in 1987, but Gen Zia persuaded him to return. Led Pakistan to win the World Cup in 1992.
Finally retired from cricket, saying he'd lost interest in the game.
His critics: Pakistan politics is not for the faint hearted. His old cricket team mate Safraz Nawaz, now Benazir Bhutto's sports adviser, said: "He's a cheater that has been established. He calls himself a devout Muslim if he is, he should be stoned to death for adultery. Imran has always been a money minded person. He is cunning and selfish."
Last word: Goes to Imran: "I don't want to make an ass of myself in politics. I am not a moron who can be used by anyone.