Irfan Pathan confirms his signing as J&K's coach and mentor

Irfan Pathan received a warm welcome from the teachers and students of Army Goodwill School, Kashmir.

Irfan Pathan is all set to join J&K as player and mentor | AFP

Veteran Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who was considered as the most talented swing and seam bowler after Kapil Dev in the country, on Wednesday, went on the social media to confirm his signing as Jammu and Kashmir Team’s player-cum-mentor.

After being constantly ignored by Baroda Cricket Association (BCA), Pathan decided to work with a new team after 17 long years, and even state body has given him a NOC to play for another team.

Recently, the CEO of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) had announced that Irfan will be taking up the role as a player and coach-cum-mentor for the 2018-19 season.

JKCA CEO Aashiq Bukhari said, “He will be the coach-cum-mentor of our team for a period of one year.”

Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter on Wednesday, Irfan wrote, “Very happy to announce that I will be playing and mentoring J&K team (JKCA) for the next domestic season. I’m confident of making the positive difference to their cricket and also play my part to the overall development of cricket.”

He also recently visited a school in Tangmarg area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district and interacted with the students and teachers of Army Goodwill School, Ziran.

Meanwhile, an army spokesperson told Greater Kashmir, “Irfan Pathan gave a motivational talk to the enthusiastic gathering in which he encouraged the students to take up sports as well as focus on education for a promising future for themselves, and also for Kashmir. He was overwhelmed to see the enthusiasm of young budding cricketers of the region.”

A teacher said, “They also asked him about his success story and his success in the field of cricket. Irfan stressed on finding the passion by youngsters and to work hard to pursue it. He also said that there is no substitute for hard work and one should keep working hard to achieve whatever he/she wants in life.”

The 33-year-old all-rounder has played 29 Tests, 120 ODIs, and 24 T20Is for India between 2003 and 2012.

 

 

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 05 Apr, 2018

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