Former Indian cricket stars Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan are well-known not only for their prowess on the cricket field but also for their significant contributions to charity and community service. The Pathan brothers have consistently been at the forefront of social welfare activities, supporting a range of causes from the education of underprivileged children to assisting widows and caring for elderly couples who lack familial support.
Irfan, who has played 29 Tests, 120 ODIs, and 24 T20Is for India, and his elder brother Yusuf, who represented India in 57 ODIs and 22 T20 matches, have inspired millions with their on-field performances and off-field philanthropy. Their strong bond is evident not only in their familial ties but also in their joint efforts to give back to society, a virtue instilled in them by their father. In 2007, inspired by their father, they established the Mehmood Khan Pathan Charitable Trust.
Irfan and Yusuf Pathan's charity
The Pathan brothers' trust, named after their father, Mehboob Khan, allocates 40 to 50 percent of their earnings to various charitable activities. Through their trust, they support the education of poor children, assist cancer patients in hospitals, provide financial aid to needy families, and take care of elderly individuals who have no one else to look after them. In an interview, Yusuf mentioned that the idea to create the trust was initially proposed by their father, showcasing the profound influence he had on their charitable endeavors.
Pathan brothers' charitable work during the pandemic
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world was grappling with the virus and India was facing severe medical shortages, the Pathan brothers stepped forward to assist. Their foundation provided crucial oxygen supplies to those in dire need. This initiative was part of a broader effort that also included donating over 4,000 masks at the beginning of the pandemic.
Moreover, Irfan Pathan donated all of his earnings from social media during this period to charity. Alongside this, the Pathan brothers also distributed food and groceries, aiding approximately 90,000 families throughout the crisis. Their cricket academy in South Delhi took an active role by providing free meals to those affected by the pandemic, ensuring community support during the lockdown.
The brothers were also proactive during the 2018 floods in Kerala, where they provided substantial assistance to the flood-affected people. They distributed medicines, food, underwear, slippers, and blankets among other necessities, helping to alleviate the suffering of many during that natural disaster. During the month of Ramadan, they are known to distribute grains to needy women, enabling them to prepare meals for Iftar.
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