See the lovely message a fan sent Irfan Pathan after his retirement!

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Image Courtesy: Deccan Chronicle/CricTaker

In spite of losing his place in the Indian Cricket Team, Irfan Pathan was an idol, an iconic figure for the Indian cricketing youth, and loved by the whole fandom. The all rounder from Gujarat recently announced his retirement from all formats of the game, but is still an eminent figure of cricket, and will remain as so, and the messages in the player’s inbox is a proof.

Image Courtesy: Deccan Chronicle/CricTaker

Yesterday, Irfan Pathan posted a screenshot on his social media, where he showed his followers a heart touching message from a fan. He uploaded the picture on the story of his official Instagram account, with a caption “Msgs (messages) like these” along with a couple of emojis.

Image Courtesy: Instagram(@irfanpathan_official)

The fan wrote: “You were the bowler I used to look up to while growing. For me, you were the best in this world and you still are.”

Just after a year of his international debut, Irfan was named as the 2004 Emerging Player of the Year 2004 by the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the fan continued the message with the same.

“From getting the ICC emerging player of the year to getting a hattrick in the first over of the match vs Pakistan. That inswinging yorker at 144km/h to get rid of Justin Langer. I’ve lived every moment and enjoyed, with you, while you were there on the field. My heart wrenches seeing you retire. My childhood is official coming to an end.”

At the end, the fan expressed his gratutide towards Irfan for his contribution to the cricketing world: “Thank you for everything you’ve given me, India and the world. You’ll always be the best for me. Thank you Irfan,” the fan wound up the message.

Irfan replied with a goodwill gesture: “Thank you buddy. Wish you all luck for your career.”

Irfan Pathan made his debut in Test cricket back in 2003 against Australia. However, the 35 year old was not picked up in the Men in Blues squad for eight years, but continued to play in domestic cricket for Baroda and also in 9 seasons of the Indian Premier League. After his last IPL game in 2017, Irfan failed to get a pickup in successive auctions, and decided to ang his boots up on 4th January.

Also read-

One That Swung Away: Irfan Pathan bids adieu from all forms of cricket