Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan sees the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a game-changer for aspiring national team players. In a 180 Not Out series recent podcast, Pathan contrasted his own path to the Indian jersey in 2003 with the current landscape.
Back then, success in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy was the sole gateway. “There was only one Indian team, no IPL,” he said, emphasizing the well-defined ladder players climbed.
However, the IPL’s arrival has undoubtedly shaken things up. “Now things have changed,” Pathan declared. “You had to play Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, or play for India U-19 and then go forward to the international level. That’s the only aim we had. Now, things have changed. During that time, you needed to go through stages to come up. Now what happens, is you can play one IPL, and get an entry into the Indian team.”
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Standout performances in just one IPL season can propel young talents into national team contention. This newfound promise for aspiring players was simply nonexistent before the IPL’s meteoric rise as the biggest franchise league in the world.
‘I kept pushing myself with painkillers’: Irfan Pathan
Beyond discussing the IPL’s influence, Pathan offered a glimpse into his own unwavering commitment to Indian cricket. He revealed battling through multiple back fractures during the Ranji Trophy and Mushtaq Ali Trophy, fueled by his burning desire to wear the national colors. “I kept pushing myself with painkillers because i wanted to play for India,” he confessed.
This dedication extends far beyond his playing career. Pathan recently opted to coach Jammu Kashmir cricket despite more lucrative offers from other leagues. “When I came to Jammu-Kashmir Cricket for two years, my contract was only 20% of the money I was leaving with the Caribbean Premiere League, where I had a contract. I could’ve played for the Canada Premiere League, the T-10 League, I’m talking about 2018. It was never about the money. I wanted to give something back to the Indian team,” showcasing his unwavering passion.
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