Irrfan Khan was a huge fan of Imran Khan

In an old interview, Irrfan had expressed his fondness for two Pakistani cricketers. Can you guess the other one?

Bollywood icon Irrfan Khan breathed his last on Wednesday last week, after battling a prolonged illness. The actor had worked with international stars and was known for his craft.

After his death, tributes for the late Life of Pi star poured in, as film fraternity mourned his loss. Some of the actor's old interview also resurfaced. One of them was his interview to the Telegraph India, where Irrfan had expressed his fondness for two legendary Pakistani cricketers, namely Imran Khan and Zaheer Abbas.

PHOTO: REUTERS

“There was an India-Pakistan match. I was very young. Zaheer Abbas was there. I went to take his autograph. That was the first time as I never took autographs from anybody in my life. He just looked at me and I felt so humiliated. I felt really bad," he had said. "I was a Zaheer Abbas and Imran Khan fan. Imran kitna khubsoorat lagta hai! What a persona, open-chested, aise uchhal ke bowling karta tha. Even now, he looks great."

What many didn't know was that Irrfan himself was a brilliant cricketer.

Pakistan's then captain, Khan, holds the 1992 World Cup Trophy during the victory presentation at the Melbourne Cricket Ground 25 March 1992. Pakistan defeated England in the 50th over by 22 runs to win the final of the World Cup competition. / AFP PHOTO / STEPHEN DUPONT

"I played cricket. I wanted to become a cricketer. I was an all-rounder and the youngest one in my team in Jaipur. I wanted to make a career out of it. I was selected for the CK Nayudu tournament I think and then I needed money and didn't know who to ask. That day I decided I cannot pursue it. I couldn't have asked for Rs 600 at that time," Irrfan had revealed.

Other than the Pakistani stars, Irrfan also named other sportspersons who left an impact on him.

A tortuous six-year journey marked by setbacks and frustrations will be put firmly in the rear view mirror. PHOTO: AFP

“David Beckham is also very good-looking. Beckham ajeeb sa hai… anything suits him. Very stylish. At one point in time, I used to like Sachin (Tendulkar). Kapil (Dev) was also a favourite. (MS) Dhoni has shown some character. He has won matches for India on his own. He is a great captain,” Irrfan added.

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