'A Memory That Will Last A Lifetime': Irfan Pathan On Son, Nephews Serving As Player Escorts In World Cup Final

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan unquestionably went through a hectic schedule when the ICC ODI World Cup had been underway in India over the last two months. He was part of the star-studded commentary panel for the official broadcaster and covered a number of important fixtures throughout the campaign.

Keeping aside his work commitment, Pathan got to relish a proud moment ahead of the final between India and Australia on November 19. His son Imran, along with his nephews Ayaan and Raiyaan, got the privilege to serve as the player escorts in the big-ticket game. They stood with the Indian cricketers during the national anthems at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

An overwhelmed Pathan shared a photograph of the proud moment on X (formerly Twitter). He also wrote a heartfelt note in the caption, expressing gratitude towards the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). In the picture, three kids from the Pathan family were seen singing the national anthem while standing in front of Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj.

“Witnessing my son Imran, and my nephews Ayaan and Raiyaan, standing proudly for the National Anthem on the field is a memory that will last a lifetime. Grateful to ICC and BCCI for this unforgettable moment,” Irfan Pathan wrote in the caption of the post.

The photograph has garnered massive traction from Indian fans, who wished to see those three kids become cricketers and represent India in future. One user commented, “Proud moment for you and the kids, hoping to see them become superstars like you and Yusuf Pathan.”

Another fan hoped these young boys would lift the World Cup title for India like the Pathan brothers did in 2007. Irfan and Yousuf were part of the Indian unit that secured the inaugural T20 World Cup under the leadership of former captain MS Dhoni.

A Kolkata Knight Riders fan wants to see Imran, Ayaan and Raiyaan play for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise. “Great to see them taking up cricket! Would love to see them playing for KKR,” the person commented.

Irfan Pathan was one of the standout performers for India during the 2007 T20I World Cup in South Africa. The fast-bowling all-rounder picked a total of 10 wickets during the campaign including a three-wicket haul against Pakistan in the final. Pathan also won the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy with India. He was part of the squad but did not play a single match of the tournament.