Irfan Pathan, born on October 27, 1984, in Baroda (now Vadodara), Gujarat, is a former Indian cricketer renowned for his skills as a left-arm medium-fast bowler and a capable all-rounder. He made his debut for the Indian national team in 2003 and was part of the squad that clinched the inaugural ICC Twenty20 World Cup in 2007 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013.
Throughout his international career, Pathan was celebrated for his ability to swing the ball both ways, drawing comparisons to Pakistan’s legendary bowler, Wasim Akram. One of his most memorable achievements was taking a hat-trick in the first over of a Test match against Pakistan in Karachi in early 2006.
However, after a series of injuries and a decline in form post-2006, Pathan’s appearances for India became less frequent. He made a notable comeback during the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, contributing significantly to India’s success. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he played for various franchises, including Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Daredevils, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings, and Gujarat Lions.
Post-retirement, Pathan transitioned to roles in commentary and analysis. In early 2025, reports emerged that he was excluded from the IPL 2025 commentary panel due to concerns about personal biases affecting his on-air performance.
This decision followed a public on-air disagreement with fellow commentator Sanjay Manjrekar during the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India in Melbourne, where they clashed over opinions regarding a contentious run-out incident involving Indian players Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Beyond cricket, Pathan has ventured into entertainment. In 2015, he participated as a contestant in the dance reality show “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.” He also made his acting debut in the 2022 Tamil film “Cobra,” starring alongside Vikram.
Pathan’s journey from a promising young cricketer to a multifaceted personality in sports and entertainment reflects his adaptability and enduring appeal.