Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan was shedding tears in reaction to Men in Blue’s T20 World Cup 2024 title win in Barbados on Saturday. India defeated South Africa by 7 runs in a tightly fought contest and ended their 11-year wait for an ICC title.
Irfan Pathan, who is part of the Star Sports commentary team, broke down during the live broadcast, was seen shedding tears of joy and was emotional while waving the India tricolor. He thanked the Indian team for giving him joy in times of personal distress.
The former India allrounder was perhaps indicating towards the death of his personal make-up artist, Fayaz Ansari, by drowning in a swimming pool in the West Indies, where he was accompanying Irfan, who is part of the Star Sports commentary team.
"I am thankful to Jasprit Bumrah, thankful to Rohit Sharma, thankful to Hardik Pandya. Suryakumar Yadav, uska catch to mein poori zindagi nahi bhulunga (I won't forget his catch my entire life). Even when I am taking my last few breaths, I will remember Suryakumar's catch of David Miller, such a dangerous batsman. If that happened to be a six off the first ball (of the 20th over), then maybe the match would have slipped out (of India's hands)," said Irfan as his voice choked.
Irfan went on to say that the triumph has brought him some relief at a time when he is in distress, referring to the untimely loss of his make-up artist.
"The Indian team doesn't know, you guys know. The last 10 days were very difficult for me. So these are not just tears of distress that have come into my life; these are also tears of joy. So, love you Team India, thank you so much,” he added.
