Now, a biopic on former Pakistani cricketer Imran Khan

Rakesh Upadhyay (left) and Ritesh Sinha (right) with Imran Khan

The struggles and achievements of legendary sportspersons have inspired a slew of films, and now we have learnt that a biopic on former Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician will roll soon.

Rakesh Upadhyay (left) and Ritesh Sinha (right) with Imran Khan

A well-placed source says, "Indian producer Rakesh Upadhyay is planning the project with director Ritesh Sinha. Islamabad-based entrepreneur Babar Shaikh facilitated their meeting with Khan, who did not raise any objection to the biopic. At the moment, everything is in the planning stage only."

Sinha was not available for comment, but Upadhyay confirms the story. "Yes, we met him recently to discuss the project and secured his permission to go ahead with it. We want to make the film as per international standards since Imran Khan is a global icon and has a huge fan following across the world. Ritesh will direct and co-produce the film," he says.

In his two-decade career, Khan led the Pakistan cricket team to victory in the 1992 World Cup. With 3807 runs and 362 wickets in Test matches, he is one of eight cricketers in the world to have achieved an 'All-rounder's Triple' in Tests. His confessions of ball-tampering sparked huge publicity, as did his playboy reputation.

According to reports, Khan has an illegitimate daughter with British heiress Sita White, but he has repeatedly denied it and refused to take a paternity test as well. He married British journalist-heiress Jemima Goldsmith in 1995 in a two-minute ceremony in Paris. Later, she converted to Islam. However, the nine-year marriage ended in 2004 allegedly because Jemima was finding it difficult to adapt to life in Pakistan. The couple has two sons.

Earlier this year, he secretly wed British-Pakistani journalist Reham Khan. He is active in his country's political affairs and is the chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, which he founded in April 1996.