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

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 14, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth17 November 1982

Age41 Years

BirthplaceBaroda, Gujarat, India

ProfessionFormer Cricketer, Politician

NationalityIndian

Marital statusMarried

SpouseAfreen Khan

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

Yusuf Pathan (Cricketer) Biography

Former Indian all-format cricketer turned politician, Yusuf Khan Pathan made a name as a powerful middle-order batter and useful bowling option. Born and b

Early life and background

Yusuf Khan Pathan was born on 17 November 1982 in Baroda (now Vadodara), Gujarat. Raised in a family with strong cricketing ties, he attended MES High School in Baroda. Yusuf’s upbringing in the city shaped his early connection to the sport and to his local community. He is the son of Mehmood Khan Pathan and Samimbanu Pathan and is the step-brother of fellow cricketer Irfan Pathan.

Physical presence and style

Standing around 6'1" (185 cm), Yusuf combined a powerful physique with a reputation for aggressive strokeplay. He batted predominantly as a middle-order specialist and was also used as a part-time bowler. Observers and fans have associated him with nicknames that reflect his dynamic approach at the crease, and his favourite scoring stroke was the pull shot.

Career

Yusuf Pathan emerged through domestic cricket with Baroda and earned selection for India after notable performances in domestic tournaments, including a breakthrough showing in the 2007 Deodhar Trophy. He made his Twenty20 international debut in the final of the inaugural World Twenty20 in 2007 and followed that with his One Day International debut in June 2008 against Pakistan in Dhaka.

In domestic and franchise cricket Yusuf represented Baroda along with stints for teams such as Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, and he also appeared in county and other representative sides. He wore jersey number 28 for India and number 24 in some domestic and league competitions.

On the field, Yusuf produced several explosive innings. He recorded one of the fastest hundreds in IPL history, reaching the mark very quickly in a 2010 match, and he twice set benchmarks for rapid half-centuries in domestic and IPL play. In the 2004–05 Ranji Trophy season he finished among the leading run-scorers and was also one of the tournament’s more productive wicket-takers.

He announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on 26 February 2021 via social media, closing the playing chapter of a career that blended big-hitting batting with occasional bowling contributions.

Public profile

Yusuf’s on-field exploits made him a well-known figure in Indian cricket; he has cited several prominent international players among those he admires. Off the field, he and his brother are involved in a local cricket academy in Baroda, the Cricket Academy of Pathans, through which they remain connected to the game at a grassroots level.

Throughout his career and beyond, Yusuf has been a figure in several high-profile incidents and disciplinary matters. In 2017 he failed an anti-doping test after a domestic tournament sample contained a specified prohibited substance; the Board of Control for Cricket in India imposed a suspension covering a five-month period as a result. There are also recorded instances of on-field and public altercations that drew attention.

Politics and later activities

In 2024 Yusuf entered electoral politics as a candidate of the Trinamool Congress. He contested the Lok Sabha seat from Baharampur in West Bengal and won the constituency in the 2024 general election by a reported margin of 85,022 votes, defeating the incumbent candidate from the Congress party.

Personal life

Yusuf is married to Afreen Khan, a physiotherapist; the couple married on 27 March 2013 and have children including a son named Ayaan. He follows Islam, lists golf among his hobbies and has cited a range of favourite foods, actors and musicians. He grew up in Baroda and maintains ties to his hometown.

Latest updates

Beyond his political victory in 2024, Yusuf faced a municipal notice in June 2024 from the Vadodara Municipal Corporation regarding an allegation about land encroachment. He remains a public figure balancing sports legacy, community activities through his cricket academy and his new role in politics.
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Recent Work

Contested and won Baharampur Lok Sabha seat

Contested the 2024 Lok Sabha election on a Trinamool Congress ticket and won the Baharampur constituency.

2024
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Career Highlights

  1. Made T20 international debut in the final of the 2007 World Twenty20
  2. ODI debut for India on 10 June 2008 vs Pakistan
  3. Second-fastest IPL century (2010) and several rapid domestic/league half-century records
  4. Finished as one of the top run-scorers and wicket-takers in the 2004–05 Ranji Trophy season
  5. Announced retirement from all forms of cricket on 26 February 2021
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Yusuf Pathan (Cricketer) born?

17 November 1982

What is Yusuf Pathan (Cricketer) known for?

Former Cricketer, Politician

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

Married

Who is Yusuf Pathan (Cricketer) married to?

Afreen Khan