Irfan Pathan recalls street cricket and World Cup wins with brother Yusuf

Irfan Pathan said the chance to represent India and win a World Cup remained the highlight of his career. The former all-rounder spoke at NDTV YUVA 2026 and said he and his brother Yusuf were fortunate to play for India at the global level. Irfan was named Player of the Match in the 2007 T20 World Cup final, while Yusuf was part of the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning side.

Pathan traced their journey from playing street cricket in Vadodara to earning India caps. He said the brothers began playing inside a mosque before moving to neighbourhood grounds, where older boys wanted them on their team. The experience gave them confidence that they could one day represent the country. Pathan said they joined Baroda Sports Club at age ten and reached the ground an hour before others to prepare for state cricket.

The 41-year-old said club performances led to state selection and eventually India caps. He described the path from club to state cricket as the point when both brothers started dreaming bigger. Pathan said two brothers from the same family winning World Cups for India remained a dream-like achievement.