Indian seamer Irfan Pathan, on Saturday (4 January), announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing curtains to an iconic career that spanned 17-year. Pathan has played 29 Tests, 120 ODIs and 24 T20Is for India and picked 301 international wickets.
1️⃣7️⃣3️⃣ international appearances
2️⃣8️⃣2️⃣1️⃣ runs
3️⃣0️⃣1️⃣ wickets@T20WorldCup winner ?Irfan Pathan has announced his retirement from professional cricket ?? pic.twitter.com/2bLC98eRif
— ICC (@ICC) January 4, 2020
Irfan made his international debut at 19-year-old in Adelaide on 12 December 2003 and picked Matthew Hayden as his first wicket. Irfan soon became a regular across all formats for the Men in Blue.
3⃣0⃣1⃣ International wickets
A first-over Test hat-trick & a man of the match performance in the 2007 T20 WC finalIrfan Pathan bids adieu to international cricket & we can't thank him enough for his contribution to Indian cricket ???
PC: Cricbuzz pic.twitter.com/QotoiCf1Tw
-- Advertisement --— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) January 4, 2020
Of his many best performances, fans will always remember his first over hat-trick against Pakistan in 2006 and his man of the match performance in the 2007 ICC T20 World Championships final.
Born in the Pathan community of Gujarat in India, Pathan comes from a humble family. He grew up with his elder brother Yusuf in a mosque as his father worked there. His Pashtun father wanted him to be an Islamic scholar, however, the Pathan brothers were interested in playing cricket.
Also Read: All you need to know about Irfan Pathan
Congratulations @IrfanPathan on an excellent career. So many landmarks, so many highlights. Remember the wide eyed young man at the breakfast table in Australia growing to play a key role in so many memorable moments for India. Tab gend bolti thi ab zubaan bolegi! Mubarak.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 4, 2020
Irfan ended up being one of the finest all-rounders Indian cricket has produced. At times, he was even promoted as an opener and number 3. Irfan has played 29 tests averaging 31.57. He also has six half-centuries and one century to his name. In ODIs and T20Is, he averaged 23.39 and 24.57 respectively.
Congratulations on an excellent career @IrfanPathan . Man of the Match in the T20 World Cup finals and some outstanding performances over the years. Wishing you some amazing time at commentary, photography and a lot more. Stay Blessed ! pic.twitter.com/aFv1lHiYxR
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 4, 2020
One of Irfan’s best all-round performances came against Australia in Perth, where he won the Man of the Match in India’s historic victory during the 2007-08 tour.
Was such a joy to see #IrfanPathan evolve from a aspiring 17yr old cricketer when I first saw him into a mature International Cricketer. You can be very proud of what u have achieved not only as a cricketer but also in mentoring young cricketers from J&K. A very happy 2nd innings pic.twitter.com/T63yF3G7z7
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 4, 2020
With his pace dropping and lack of swing, Pathan saw himself being dropped out of the national team. His last test was against South Africa in 2009. While he did get chances to play in limited-over format, he was not at his best. His last ODI and T20 were both in 2012. Irfan’s domestic form also fell later on.
So many match winning spells, numerous match winning innings, one of the best all arounders I have played with. You are a true champion @IrfanPathan my friend. Good luck for your second innings. Cheers #irfanpathan pic.twitter.com/J5GyGhhQ6g
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) January 4, 2020
Apart from India, Irfan has represented Baroda, Middlesex, Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Daredevils, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants, Gujarat Lions and Jammu and Kashmir. He finishes his career with 384 first-class wickets, 272 in List A and 173 in T20s.
A Great Inswinger #IrfanPathan Announced Retirement From All Form All Cricket. Cricket Will Miss You ???? pic.twitter.com/B30kLqUtY6
— Sir Jadeja Fan (@SirrrJadeja) January 4, 2020
Left Arm fast bowler Irfan Pathan announces his Retirement!!
A priceless left-arm bowler who had produced some magical swinging spells for India retires from the game. Certainly, he should have played much more for IND.#irfanpathan pic.twitter.com/ntgLcnohBx
— Eye On Sports (@eyeonsportz) January 4, 2020
This @IrfanPathan is History. Man of the Match in Finals of WT20 2007, Irfan Pathan. Thank you for all the amazing memories. Looking forward to see you around the sport. #IrfanPathan #ThankyouIrfan @StarSportsIndia pic.twitter.com/ktI22wIDjL
— Prabhu (@Cricprabhu) January 4, 2020
Was such a joy to see #IrfanPathan evolve from a aspiring 17yr old cricketer when I first saw him into a mature International Cricketer. You can be very proud of what u have achieved not only as a cricketer but also in mentoring young cricketers from J&K. A very happy 2nd innings pic.twitter.com/T63yF3G7z7
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 4, 2020
Wish you great 2nd inn my brother @IrfanPathan what a champion bowler and a fighter on the field.. god bless you brother.. lots of love #irfanpathan #irfanretired pic.twitter.com/h3vQ8Ttd4w
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 4, 2020
Cricket Fan Never Forget This! ??
Hat trick Vs Pakistan, 2004 ❤Happy Retirement @IrfanPathan ❤#irfanpathan pic.twitter.com/eJUok4icAW
— Md Faiyaz Ahmed (@MdFaiya87559316) January 4, 2020
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