The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 has been cancelled. The opening game for both teams was scheduled for Sunday. However, the…
Irfan Khan Pathan was born on 27 October 1984 in Baroda, Gujarat into a modest family, the son of a mosque muezzin, and younger brother of Yusuf Pathan. He spent his early years in a mosque, practicing six-hour sessions in scorching heat to develop swing bowling skills. His determination and discipline helped him quickly rise through the ranks, from Baroda Under‑14 to Under‑19, before making his senior debut in 2000.
Despite limited resources, Irfan remained focused on his dream, often sharing one pair of cricket shoes with his brother. Encouraged by his coaches and family, he honed his skills through sheer hard work and resilience. His early performances reflected raw talent and a natural ability to move the ball both ways—a rare skill that set him apart in junior cricket.
Pathan earned a reputation for his lively personality and sharp insight. On-field, his aggressive left-arm pace often surprised opponents early in matches. Off-field, he maintains fitness through rigorous routines, playing table tennis and volleyball, and enjoys biryani and music . His blend of seriousness and humour made him a fan favourite and later a commentator.
Irfan shares a close bond with his elder brother Yusuf and keeps family life private. He dated Shivangi Dev for ten years before parting ways in 2012 to respect his brother’s wishes. He married model Safa Baig in February 2016 in Mecca, and they have two sons. Irfan credits his wife for providing stability and support throughout his life transitions.
Baroda youth teams (2000–2003): Excelled in Under‑15 and Under‑19 levels, notably taking 18 wickets at 7.38 and 9/16 vs Bangladesh in the 2003 Asia Youth ODI.
First-class debut (2000): Promoted early to Baroda senior side after standout performances.
County and IPL stints: Played for Middlesex in 2005, Kings XI Punjab (2008–2010), Delhi Capitals (2011–2013), Sunrisers Hyderabad (2014), Rising Pune Supergiants (2016), Gujarat Lions (2017), and T20 teams in the US and Sri Lanka.
Domestic highlights: Scored maiden first-class century (121) in 2012–13 Ranji Trophy and repeatedly led Baroda’s bowling charts
Irfan debuted for India in December 2003 against Australia at Adelaide at age 19. He immediately impressed with reverse swing dismissals of Waugh, Gilchrist, and Ponting.
Struggles and resurgence (2004): After mixed performances, he bounced back at the Champions Trophy, taking 5 wickets at 9.00.
Golden era (2003–2007): Part of the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup-winning squad; secured key wickets in Tests and ODIs.
Later career: Made comeback in 2012 with a five-wicket haul vs Sri Lanka; knee injury in Ranji 2012–13 curtailed momentum . He retired from all cricket in January 2020
| Format | Matches | Runs | Bat Avg | 100s/50s | Wkts | Bowl Avg | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 29 | 1,305 | 33.89 | 1/7 | 100 | 32.26 | 7/59 |
| ODI | 120 | 1,544 | 23.39 | 0/5 | 173 | 29.73 | 5/27 |
| T20I | 24 | 172 | 24.57 | 0/0 | 28 | 22.07 | 3/16 |
Irfan debuted in the inaugural IPL (2008) with Kings XI Punjab, soon becoming a strike bowler. His IPL journey includes tenures with multiple franchises:
Kings XI Punjab (2008–2010)
Delhi Capitals (2011–2013)
Sunrisers Hyderabad (2014)
Rising Pune Supergiants (2016)
Gujarat Lions (2017)
Although he did not lead bowling charts, he gained praise for key breakthroughs and accuracy in powerplays. His last IPL appearance came in 2017.
Irfan emphasised fitness throughout his career. A serious knee injury in 2012 sidelined him, but he returned in 2013, taking three wickets and scored 98 in a domestic match . He once said, “Injuries are part and parcel… harder critics at home,” yet he persisted .
Post-retirement, he focused on commentary and analysis. He voiced concerns about team dynamics in early 2025, backing Mohammed Shami’s careful return to international cricket.
However in 2025, broadcasters removed him from IPL commentary, citing biases in remarks targeting players. Despite that, he launched the “Seedhi Baat With Irfan Pathan” YouTube channel to provide his unfiltered insights.
