Irrfan Khan was a huge fan of Imran Khan and Zaheer Abbas

India lost one of its finest actors ever Irrfan Khan last month on April 29 who breathed his last at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. Whole country mourned his passing away as tributes came from every nook and corner on social media. The man who worked in some of the memorable movies in his career was also a huge cricket fan.

Rather he himself wanted to be a cricketer during the early part of his career and was reportedly selected in the CK Nayudu Trophy squad as well. But lack of money led to him giving up his dream of playing for the country and Irrfan ended up becoming an actor. Interestingly, in an interview few years ago, the supreme actor had expressed his fondness for two legendary Pakistan cricketers Imran Khan and Zaheer Abbas.

While speaking about them, Irrfan Khan had recalled a moment when he went to ask for the latter’s autograph and seemed to impressed with Pakistan’s World Cup-winning skipper’s personality. “There was an India-Pakistan match. I was very young. Zaheer Abbas was there. I went to take his autograph. That was the first time as I never took autographs from anybody in my life. He just looked at me… and I felt so humiliated. I felt really bad.

“I was a Zaheer Abbas and Imran Khan fan. Imran kitna khubsoorat lagta hai! What a persona… open-chested, aisi uchhal ke bowling karta tha. Even now, he looks great,” he had said while speaking to The Telegraph.

David Beckham and Kapil Dev were also Irrfan Khan’s favourite

Moreover, Irrfan Khan also named other cricketers and sportspersons who had a lasting impact on him. He was impressed with David Beckham’s style while also revealed that Kapil Dev was also his favourite once. “David Beckham is also very good-looking. Beckham ka ajeeb sa hai… anything suits him. Very stylish.

“At one point of time, I used to like Sachin (Tendulkar). Kapil (Dev) was also a favourite. (M.S.) Dhoni has shown some character. He has won matches for India on his own. He is a great captain,” Irrfan added. As far as the versatile actor following cricket is concerned, he was last seen at the stadium in 2018 during a Test match between Pakistan and England.