Can’t handle playing against Yusuf in IPL: Irfan

They are brothers all right but not brothers-in-arms when it comes to the Indian Premier League. But Irfan Pathan says he would be happy if his team Delhi Daredevils win the IPL game Thursday, while elder brother Yusuf Khan strikes a 50 or a hundred for the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Two days before the KKR take on Delhi Daredevils in their inaugural match at the Eden Gardens, Irfan said that he was not expecting to be pitted against his brother so early in the IPL.

“This is the only match I can’t handle. Even though we are brothers, both of us must be honest to our profession,” Irfan told media persons on the sidelines of the Delhi side’s practice session.

The lanky pacer is worried over a scenario where he may have to bowl the last over with his brother in the middle.

“I am worried over a scenario where he bats and I bowl the last over with the opponents needing 10-15 runs to win,” he said.

Asked what would make him the happiest – his brother’s success or Delhi Daredevil’s win – Irfan replied: “I shall be happy if my brother scores a 50 or a 100 but we win the match.”

Talking about being familiar with Yusuf’s game, the junior Pathan said: ” I know all about him as he knows about me.”

On a personal level, he said they were like normal brothers. “We fight, we do not talk for hours like husband and wife, and then we make up. But yes, we have a boundary line about each other which we do not cross”.

And then he added, tongue in cheek: “I feel he being the elder brother has to look after me.”

Asked when he would marry, Irfan again referred to his elder brother. “I think if you ask my brother, it will be appropriate. I am now married to cricket. I am honest to my game.”