'I was an all-rounder' - Short of Rs 600, how Irrfan Khan gave up cricket to pursue acting

One of the finest and versatile actors, Irrfan Khan, on Wednesday breathed his last at the age of 53 in Mumbai’s Kokilaben Hospital, where he was admitted on Tuesday and was being treated for a colon infection. The sudden loss of Irrfan leaves a huge void in the world of cinema as he was regarded as one of the finest gems not only in India but around the world. While many are aware of Irrfan Khan's splendid work in movies, not many know that he wanted to become a professional cricketer and it was due to lack of just Rs 600 that he failed to pursue a career out of it..

Irrfan was selected for CK Nayudu Trophy – one of the coveted domestic tournaments in India – but as he didn’t have Rs 600 to pay his entry fee at that time, he decided not to pursue it further. Irrfan, in 2014, had admitted about his love for cricket while revealing his sister gave him Rs 300 to get admission in the National School of Drama.

“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 said in an interview to a leading daily in 2014.

“I needed Rs 300 for National School of Drama, which was difficult for me. My sister finally got it for me,” he revealed.

Irrfan had even compared the movie and cricket industries as the versatile actor stated that the entertainment industry provides a longer career than in cricket. Irrfan had further slammed the T20 version of cricket for spoiling the gentlemen’s game.

“Giving up cricket was a conscious decision. There are only 11 players in the whole country. Actors mein koi limit nahin hai! There is no age limit in acting… jitna mehnat karoge....You yourself are your own weapon,” he said.

“Cricket ka down hona bhi chahiye! It is a waste of time. Compared to the charm and the drama of a Test match…this T20… it is raping the game. All kinds of goof-ups are happening,” he had said back in 2014.

Irrfan had taken a break from acting in 2018 when he was first diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour. He returned to India in 2019 to work in 'Angrezi Medium' which released earlier this year. Irrfan is survived by his wife Sutapa Sikdar, and two sons Babil and Ayan.