Calcutta: Zaheer 'Zed' Abbas, among the most majestic and prolific of batsmen (Asian Bradman, after all), took questions from The Telegraph on Thursday evening.

The questions were on Pakistan's Prime Minister-designate Imran Khan, chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

Hardly relevant till the 2013 general election, Imran has this time clobbered Nawaz Sharif and his brother Shahbaz's PML (N) and the PPP of the Bhuttos and Zardaris.

It has been a stunning performance, even though there have been allegations of rigging (the charge was laid only when the PTI began approaching the three-figure mark) and the accusation that the Army did the needful for Imran.

Fact is that Imran deserves appreciation.

Talking of the interview... Like Imran, Zaheer is a former national captain. He has, however, stayed miles away from politics.

Zaheer, who turned 71 on Tuesday, has served as the president of the International Cricket Council.

Excerpts...

Q Your one-time teammate, Imran, is Pakistan's next Prime Minister. Thoughts?

A Let me start by saying the eyes of not just all in Pakistan, but the subcontinent are on Imran... There's plenty of hope and the expectations understandably are high... 'Naya Pakistan' is an idea which went down very well with the electorate... The sports fraternity, for one, would be hoping for a big improvement in that sphere. But, of course, there are bigger issues. It's not for me, a non-politician, to talk about them at length... Let me add, Imran wasn't only a teammate, but a room-mate too.

Q I didn't know that... I'm sure you do recall some tales...

A (Laughs) Actually, I don't! I don't think anybody did anything which a normal youngster wouldn't do.

Q Given Imran's personal ties with India, there's plenty of interest on the shape bilateral relations take under his government... He has invited India to take one step and, then, Pakistan would take two...

A I'm optimistic. I'd like, for instance, bilateral cricket to be revived. There's been nothing after we toured India in 2012-2013.

Q Did you vote for Imran's PTI?

A I did, in the Zamzama area (for the NA 247 Karachi South 2 seat). Last heard, the PTI candidate was winning by a big margin.

Q Imran kept at it for over two decades even though many didn't take him seriously for some years. Did you anticipate a day such as this?

A You have also known Imran for a long time... Whenever he decides to do something, he does it. Imran never leaves an unfinished piece of work, so if somebody expected him to walk away, they were wrong. Right through, Imran has been a doer.

Q What are your impressions of Imran as a leader?

A To give a proper answer, one must wait for Imran to assume office, then give him time to settle down... It's one thing to be an aspirant, quite another to be the country's Prime Minister. To be in that chair would be a very, very different ball game.

Q Imran's USP?

A Two qualities stand out. Imran is honest and doesn't have double standards. He won't pretend and will say exactly what he wants to.

Q Where challenges go, what's the biggest one for Imran?

A Setting the economy right... It's in very bad shape at this point in time... Those who have put their money overseas should really be looking to invest in the country of their birth and, by doing so, help its economy... Corruption has been an issue, but I'm sure the rishwat khori will now end. Woh to ab khatam hi ho jayega.

Q Terrorism? A suicide bomber killed dozens even on Wednesday, the day of the general election...

A Surely, the new government will address all issues which need attention.

Q But aren't the high expectations rather unrealistic?

A People are expecting Imran to perform miracles and that, indeed, is being unrealistic... But, then, he has himself now said ' taqdile aa gaye'... That change has come... I doubt if Imran will have time for anybody, not even himself. All his time would go towards taking Pakistan forward... We'll have to be patient.

Q Besides the 'Naya Pakistan' theme which Imran sold very well, what swung it for the PTI?

A The first-time voters, the youth, probably backed Imran en masse. That's not to say other age-groups didn't vote for him. They did.

Q But the PTI is a one-man show... It's Imran and Imran only...

A I'm not from the field of politics, toh is question ko aap rehne dijiye.

Q What was it like playing alongside Imran?

A (Appreciatively) Imran never gave up and would give it his all till the last ball... He played to win and would be itching to produce something magical. That has been Imran's approach in politics as well.

Q You captained Imran in a single ODI, but Imran captained you in many Tests and ODIs. Did you have major differences with him towards the end of your career?

A Not really.

Q Finally... What would you tell Imran when you meet him next?

A I've already conveyed my congratulations through somebody very close to Imran... He's been just too busy, so I didn't disturb him... I'll also wish Imran luck as he goes about achieving his vision.