If there is one cricketer whose potential was never fully utilised, it has to be the former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan. He could swing the ball both ways and contribute handy runs with the bat. Pathan was an early bloomer but couldn’t sustain the success that initially came his way.
Biography
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Irfan Khan Pathan |
| Date of Birth | 27 October 1984 |
| Current Age | 40 years |
| Height | 6 feet (1.83 m) |
| Birthplace | Baroda, Gujarat, India |
| Education | MES High School, Vadodara |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Left-arm medium-fast |
| Role | All-rounder |
| Brother | Yusuf Pathan |
| Jersey Number | 56 |
| Net Worth | US $8 Million (₹69 Crore) |
Born on October 27, 1984, in Baroda, Gujarat, Irfan Pathan didn’t come from a cricket-crazy family. His father worked as a muezzin at a local mosque, and cricket wasn’t exactly the obvious career choice. But sometimes destiny has its own plans.
Irfan Pathan’s education took place at MES High School in Vadodara, where his natural talent for cricket started showing. At just 16, he was already making waves in domestic cricket. The kid could swing the ball both ways, bat with confidence, and had that rare X-factor that selectors dream about.
International Debut, Jersey Number & Retirement
Irfan Pathan’s debut in international cricket came on December 12, 2003, against Australia in Adelaide, this 19-year-old walked onto the field wearing cap number 248 for India. The Aussies were expecting another lamb for slaughter, but what they got was a lion in sheep’s clothing.
His ODI debut came shortly after on January 9, 2004, also against Australia. The jersey number 56 became a symbol of left-arm swing bowling in India. His T20I debut happened on December 1, 2006, against South Africa, making him India’s 7th T20I cap. Pathan retirement from international cricket at the age of 35. He announced his retirement on January 4, 2020.
Complete Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Runs | Batting Avg | Wickets | Bowling Avg | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 29 | 1,305 | 33.89 | 100 | 32.26 | 7/59 |
| ODI | 120 | 1,544 | 23.39 | 173 | 29.72 | 5/27 |
| T20I | 24 | 172 | 24.57 | 28 | 22.07 | 3/16 |
100 Test wickets in just 29 matches? That’s not just good – that’s phenomenal. His bowling average of 32.26 in Tests was respectable for someone who also contributed with the bat.
Net Worth
Irfan Pathan has as estimated net worth of US $8 million, equivalent to Rs 69 Crore in 2025. His wealth is accumulated through his playing career remunerations, IPL salaries, brand endorsements, investments, income from co-owned cricket academy with his brother and YouTube channel earnings.
IPL Teams and Salaries
The Indian Premier League gave Irfan a new lease of life. His IPL journey took him through several franchises:
- 2008-2010: Kings XI Punjab – Rs 3.70 Crore Each Year
- 2011-2013: Delhi Daredevils – Rs 8.74 Crore Each Year
- 2014: Sunrisers Hyderabad – Rs 2.40 Crore
- 2014: Chennai Super Kings– Rs 1.50 Crore
- 2016: Rising Pune Supergiants – Rs 1.00 Crore
- 2017: Gujarat Lions – Rs 50 Lakhs
Major Achievements and Memorable Moments
Irfan Pathan’s achievements go beyond mere statistics:
- Youngest Indian to take a Test hat-trick (against Pakistan in 2006)
- First Indian bowler to take a hat-trick with the first three balls of a Test match
- Man of the Match in 2007 T20 World Cup final
- 100 Test wickets in just 29 matches
- 7 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket
Domestic Cricket Legacy
Before we wrap up, let’s not forget his domestic career:
- 2000-2017: Baroda – His home team where it all started
- 2005: Middlesex – Brief county stint in England
- 2020: Kandy Tuskers – Late career opportunity in Lanka Premier League
His first-class record of 384 wickets in 122 matches with a bowling average of 28.33 shows consistent performance at the domestic level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Irfan Pathan’s height?
A: Irfan Pathan stands 6 feet tall (1.83 meters).
Q: How old is Irfan Pathan currently?
A: Born on October 27, 1984, Irfan Pathan is currently 40 years old.
Q: Where did Irfan Pathan complete his education?
A: He completed his schooling at MES High School in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Q: When did Irfan Pathan make his international debut?
A: His Test debut was on December 12, 2003, against Australia, and his ODI debut was on January 9, 2004.
Q: What jersey number did Irfan Pathan wear?
A: He wore jersey number 56 in both ODIs and T20Is for India.
Q: What is Irfan Pathan’s net worth?
A: His estimated net worth is US $8 million, which is approximately ₹69 crore.
Q: Which IPL teams has Irfan Pathan played for?
A: He played for Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Daredevils, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rising Pune Supergiants, and Gujarat Lions.
Q: Is Yusuf Pathan related to Irfan Pathan?
A: Yes, Yusuf Pathan is Irfan Pathan’s younger brother.