Irfan Pathan determined to make a difference to Jammu and Kashmir cricket

Irfan Pathan forayed into international cricket as one of the brightest prospects for Indian cricket. However, gradually, he lost his spot in the national team due to fitness and form and last represented the Men in Blue in 2012. However, despite the fact that he hasn’t been playing international cricket, the all-rounder hasn’t let go his love for the game. The Baroda cricketer recently made a switch to Jammu and Kashmir state team and has taken up the role as a player-cum-mentor.

Last season, Irfan was named the skipper for Baroda in the Ranji Trophy. However, he was dropped from the team after the first couple of games, and a lot of behind the scene instances involving the Baroda Cricket Association officials forced him to switch loyalties after serving Baroda for 17 seasons.

Meanwhile, the cricketer has his goals set for his stint with J&K. In his first exclusive interview after the announcement, he opened up to CricTracker as to what prompted him to move out of Baroda and why he picked Jammu and Kashmir.

“To make a difference”- Irfan Pathan

“I really believe that Jammu and Kashmir has a lot of potential, but there is lot to work as well. I’m a kind of a guy who likes to work and put everything that I have. I really believe that if any one cricketer comes out from there and represent national cricket then that will give me so much satisfaction. Yes, I want to go out there and play and create the image of being a good mentor, but my intention is to make a difference to one player’s life in Jammu and Kashmir,” Irfan told CricTracker.

Kapil Dev, the former World Cup winning skipper will also be associated with the team this season. Quite expectantly, Pathan is delighted with the opportunity to work with the legendary cricketer. The 33-year-old hailed the Haryana Hurricane for an illustrious career and also wished if he could’ve played the cash-rich Indian Premier League.

“Just meeting Kapil Paaji is a special feeling, let alone working with him. He is a great all-rounder and no one can even come close to him in terms of achievement. He was one man who knew many things and I wish he could have played in the IPL at this time. He is an all-rounder, a batsman, bowler, great fielder and most importantly, a great leader. Any IPL team would die to have him” he added.

Here’s the video of the interview:

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