Winning the T20 World Cup in South Africa with Irfan Pathan was the most memorable moment for me: Yusuf Pathan

Irfan Pathan announced retirement from all forms of the game on Saturday. The cricketer who gave so many memories to Indian cricket and its fans deserved to play many more games for India. Having said that, 301 international wickets in 173 appearances for the country is a huge achievement and add to it, the Man of the Match in the World T20 final in South Africa against Pakistan and the first-over hat-trick in Karachi Test against the arch-rivals.

Rather, the World Cup-winning moment was even special for Irfan as his elder brother Yusuf Pathan made his international debut in that game. The love the brothers have for each other is unmatched and on the day, when the junior Pathan called time on his career, Yusuf Pathan became emotional recalling the moments when they played together for India and on other occasions.

While the fans still fondly remember the game when the brothers, together, had won India a T20I against Sri Lanka from dire straits, Yusuf Pathan picked the 2007 World Cup final victory as the memorable moment playing with Irfan on the field while speaking exclusively to CricTracker. “The memorable moment playing with Irfan was to win the T20 World Cup in South Africa,” he said. Going down the memory lane, Yusuf remembered how they started playing cricket since they were kids and the struggle which they overcame to become successful at the highest level.

“Jumma Masjid was the place where we started playing the game together with the utmost passion. We, later, shifted to Baroda Sports Club and emerged as U14 champions and went on to represent Baroda Cricket Association. Motibaug Cricket Club was very special for us where we continued our never give up attitude,” Yusuf added.

Many many congratulations to Irfan on a successful cricketing career, says Yusuf

Having witnessed Irfan’s rise and while standing by him during his struggles, Yusuf Pathan is proud of what his brother achieved in his career. Rather he admires the way the southpaw handled success humbly and stayed down to earth throughout. “He always held his head high in the ups and downs during his career. He always kept smiling no matter what the situation was. All these memories of Irfan will stay with me forever,’ the 37-year-old said.

Yusuf Pathan was lost for words while speaking about his younger brother’s career and congratulated him for all the success. “Many many congratulations to Irfan for his successful and illustrious career. I know your fans love you a lot and I hope you continue to rule their hearts.”

Elder brother is the one who stands by the younger one no matter what and even today, Yusuf Pathan assured Irfan all his support for whatever he does in the second innings of his life. “We began this journey together and there is still a long way to go. My best wishes are with you for whatever you do in the future. Keep smiling always and make all of us smile as well,” emotional Yusuf concluded.