Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan is likely to announce his retirement from cricket later today. He is expected to make the announcement on live television – the event will have a telecast at 4:30 PM.
Pathan hasn’t played any form of cricket since February this year. He last played for Jammu & Kashmire in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2019/20. He is now a full-time commentator and can be seen sharing his insights on a regular basis.
Pathan played 29 Tests, 120 ODIs and 24 T20Is scalping 100, 173 and 28 wickets in the three formats, respectively. The left-arm pacer became the first bowler to take a hat-trick in the opening over of a Test when he dismissed Salman Butt, Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf on the last three deliveries.
Pathan was a part of the squad that won the inaugural season of the T20 World Cup in 2007. He bowled a magical spell of 4-0-16-3 in the final to lead Team India to a victory. His last international match came against South Africa in T20 World Cup in 2012. Pathan was a part of the squad that won ICC Champions Trophy in 2013.
Unlike many other bowling all-rounders, Pathan also batted in the top-order in ODIs and batted at number three on occasions. He also opened the innings in the Adelaide Test (in 2008) along with Virender Sehwag.
Pathan started his career for Baroda way back in 2000/01 season. He also represented India U-19 before playing international cricket. Pathan remained to be mainstay for Baroda for years but switched his base to J & K – as coach-cum mentor – after being dropped from the Ranji Trophy squad.
In IPL, he represented Delhi Daredevils, Chennai Super Kings, Kings XI Punjab, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kings XI Punjab and Gujarat Lions. In 103 IPL matches, Pathan scored 1139 runs and scalped 80 wickets. He went unsold in past couple of IPL auctions and did not enter the auction this year.