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Irfan Pathan (Cricketer) Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 4, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth27 October 1984

Age40 Years

BirthplaceBaroda, Gujarat, India

ProfessionIndian Cricketer (Bowling All-rounder)

NationalityIndian

Marital statusMarried

SpouseSafa Baig

FamilyFather: Mehmood Khan Pathan; Mother: Samimbanu Pathan; Brother: Yusuf Pathan (step-brother); Sister: Shagufta Pathan

Net worth$3 million

Irfan Pathan (Cricketer) Biography

Irfan Khan Pathan is an Indian bowling all-rounder known for his left-arm swing bowling and useful lower-order batting. A member of India’s early-2000s res

Early life and background

Irfan Khan Pathan was born on 27 October 1984 in Baroda, Gujarat, where he grew up and attended MES High School. He comes from a family with cricketing connections: his step-brother Yusuf Pathan has also played professionally. Pathan’s parents are Mehmood Khan Pathan and Samimbanu Pathan. He was raised in Baroda and lists the city as his hometown.

Pathan’s physical presence is notable for a pace bowler: he stands about 1.83 m (6 feet) tall and his listed playing weight is around 73 kg. He has brown eyes and black hair. From an early age he showed an aptitude for sports beyond cricket, enjoying table tennis and volleyball in his spare time.

Career

A left-arm fast-medium bowler who also contributed with the bat, Pathan made his Test debut for India on 12 December 2003 against Australia in Adelaide. He made his One Day International debut a few weeks later on 9 January 2004 in Melbourne, and his T20 international debut on 1 December 2006 in Johannesburg against South Africa. His selection for the 2003 Test series in Australia is often cited as a turning point in his career.

Pathan built a reputation for aggressive, attacking play on the field and for his ability to move the ball in the air. Early in his international career he recorded some standout achievements: he became the quickest Indian to reach 100 ODI wickets, doing so in 59 matches, and he was a key performer in the inaugural T20 World Cup final where he took three important wickets and earned the Man of the Match award. At age 19 he had been seen as one of India’s promising all-rounders following his debut.

On the domestic and franchise circuit, Pathan represented multiple teams over the years. His domestic and league associations have included Baroda, India A and India Blue/Red sides, and in franchise cricket he has played for teams such as Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Daredevils, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings, and Middlesex in county cricket. He has worn the number 56 jersey for India and in various league appearances.

Pathan’s style and achievements earned him recognition early on; in 2004 he was named ICC Emerging Player of the Year. Other notable moments cited from his playing days include a hat-trick against Pakistan in Karachi in 2006 and a nine-wicket performance for India Under-19s against Bangladesh in the 2003 Under-19 World Cup.

Public profile

Off the field, Pathan has been involved in a range of public activities. He and his brother run the Cricket Academy of Pathans (CAP) in Baroda, an academy aimed at nurturing young talent. He has maintained friendships within the cricket community, with names such as Robin Uthappa noted among his close acquaintances. Pathan also took part in mainstream entertainment, appearing on the reality dance show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 8 in 2015 before leaving mid-season to prepare for the domestic Ranji Trophy campaign.

His list of sporting influences and favourites includes batsmen such as Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni and bowlers like Wasim Akram and Dale Steyn. Off the field his favourite foods and cultural preferences are part of his public persona; he has mentioned liking biryani and other regional dishes, and has cited a range of actors and films among his favourites.

Personal life

Pathan is married to Safa Baig, who is described as a model. The couple have two sons: Imran Khan Pathan, born in 2016, and Suleiman Khan, born on 28 December 2021. He practices Islam and his zodiac sign is Scorpio.

Latest updates

Beyond his playing career, Pathan’s ongoing connection to cricket includes his academy work in Baroda. His career highlights remain part of his public legacy: early international success, awards such as ICC Emerging Player of the Year, match-winning performances in major finals, and domestic contributions across Indian and county cricket.
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Recent Work

Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 8

Participated in the dance reality show in 2015 but left mid-season to prepare for the Ranji Trophy.

2015
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Career Highlights

  1. Made Test debut for India in Adelaide, 12 December 2003
  2. Quickest Indian to reach 100 ODI wickets (in 59 matches)
  3. Man of the Match in the inaugural T20 World Cup final after taking three key wickets
  4. ICC Emerging Player of the Year (2004)
  5. Hat-trick against Pakistan in Karachi in 2006
  6. Nine wickets in an Under-19 World Cup match against Bangladesh (2003)
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Net Worth

$3 million

Figures are editorial estimates based on publicly available reporting and may change as new information emerges.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Irfan Pathan (Cricketer) born?

27 October 1984

What is Irfan Pathan (Cricketer) known for?

Indian Cricketer (Bowling All-rounder)

What is Irfan Pathan (Cricketer)’s marital status?

Married

Who is Irfan Pathan (Cricketer) married to?

Safa Baig

What is Irfan Pathan (Cricketer)’s net worth?

$3 million