I will dedicate an Indian Premier League innings to my newborn son: Yusuf Pathan

Yusuf Pathan is overjoyed after his wife Afreen, a Mumbai-based physiotherapist, delivered a baby boy in Baroda yesterday. The big-hitting Kolkata Knight Riders’ all-rounder, who was away in UAE for the Indian Premier League-7 opener against Mumbai Indians, left for India to be by his wife’s side immediately after his team’s 41-run win on Wednesday.

“I am short of words to express myself after being blessed with a son. KKR have been extremely supportive to share my joy at this wonderful moment. Fatherhood is completely different from anything I have experienced till date. I’m sure he (baby boy) will bring great joy to everyone. I will celebrate this with my KKR teammates once I’m back and hopefully dedicate an innings to my son,” Yusuf told mid-day via a text message yesterday.

KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan broke the news on Twitter yesterday. The Bollywood superstar tweeted: “Afreen & Yusuf Pathan blessed with a baby boy. New papa has to rush home to be with his prince. Masha Allah.”

Yusuf’s younger brother and former India all-rounder Irfan, who is with Sunrisers Hyderabad in UAE, also couldn’t hide his delight. “Alrightttt this is great no words can describe the feeling. My bro Yusuf n bhabhi blessed with baby boy I’m chachu now. ya rab tera shukar hai,” he tweeted.

Yusuf is expected to miss KKR’s second match against the Delhi Daredevils (April 19), but should be able to return for the team’s third game against the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore in Sharjah on April 24.