PANAJI
A galaxy of cricketers from the past are in the State to showcase nostalgic glimpses of their mettle and the reason we endear them. Former India bowling all-rounder, Irfan Pathan who is representing Delhi Warriors in the ongoing World Legends Pro T20 League at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium, Verna is one among them.
Having featured in the inaugural match of the aforementioned League against Dubai Royals on Monday, the former premier India left-arm swing bowler, Irfan Pathan is soaking in the atmosphere.
“It has been a wonderful experience in this league so far. If you see the kind of quality players we have in this league, it is outstanding. At the same time, especially coming to Goa and to see the response we get is very heartening. Because when I played in the first game; the kids, the fans were very much excited. They were always cheering for the whole 4-5 hours at the stadium. The energy was till the very last. Even after the game, they stood patiently for the autographs and photographs,” the visibly happy former India cricketer remarked in an interview with The Goan on Wednesday.
Having turned up here last as player cum mentor for Jammu and Kashmir in November 2018 in an Elite Group C Ranji fixture against Goa in Porvorim, Irfan felt that the State can truly be a destination for cricket. “Right now, you have a very good coach in Milap (Mewada) in Ranji Trophy. He is a wonderful coach with great ideas. He was with the Afghanistan team as well. If he is there for some time, he will actually make a difference for Goa cricket. Be it the technical aspect of the game, mental aspect as well, he is very sharp. Whenever I follow Goa cricket, I see the glimpses of them doing really well going forward,” Irfan stated.
“Any city or place needs a proper hero to play at the top level, and that obviously takes some time. Once you have that, you know you will see Goa cricket growing big time. Goa cricket has a lot of potential. But at the same time, Goans have a lot of likeness for cricket which I saw when I came for Ranji cricket last time (November 2018) and also here in 2026, where I have come for the World Legends Pro T20 League, I see there is so much more excitement. So, when that happens, that means people are keen. When the keenness is there, they kind of find a way to play. When they find a way to play, they all find a way to work hard. When they work hard, obviously they will see the result. So hopefully, in years to come you will see a big hero coming from Goa and Goa cricket going forward. But in Goa and to play cricket, nothing better a combination,” the cricketer-turned-commentator opined.
Speaking of the challenges for a retired cricket to participate in a Legends League and to provide the kind of intensity and competitiveness that the fans can really enjoy, the former India bowling all-rounder revealed that playing for their pride is second to none.
“When you have done well for your country and actually have a fan following, and have reached a certain level, even after that your body does not work as much, you have to play with pride. Right now, I am 41 and still want to push like 30. Obviously, it does not happen but that push and effort does not go. If you do not play for your pride, you know fans will catch it. They are smart. That is why the game has gone bigger because of the fans. So, when the fans are coming and watching, when it is televised on the TV, people are watching to see at least a glimpse of what you have achieved in the past. Sometimes it does not happen, but efforts should be there. I believe you have to play for your pride as a retired player, and when you do automatically the effort comes in,” the 173 internationals India star asserted.
A member of the Indian cricket team that won the inaugural 2007 ICC Twenty20 World Cup, and was the player of the match in the final, Irfan Pathan strongly felt that India could create history by becoming the first team in the competition to defend their title. “India’s chances are very high. It is our World Cup to lose. There is no doubt about it because we have a team with quality players at the crucial positions. That makes a big difference,” the 301 international wickets bowing all-rounder declared.
The former India cricketer felt that with a presence of many cricket academies in the State, Goa cricket will get a push in the right direction and that local cricketers should make optimum use of. “If we get proper cricket going with a lot of academies here, Goa cricket will grow. Otherwise, cricket is doing very well. Goa Cricket Association are doing their best in trying to get different types of coaches, and providing the best of facilities. It is the responsibility of the local cricketers to make most of it, by using their academies and pitches. And also practice really hard. May be, you need more private academies as well. I do not think anyone else can beat Goans as far as fitness is concerned. Because you have beaches and the kind of fitness a beach can provide nothing else can. Because your legs become much stronger. So, you have the base, and have to take the advantage,” Irfan pointed out.
