Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 22: Former Indian international footballer Ilyas Pasha passed away on Thursday after a prolonged illness, the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed. He was 61. Pasha is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons. The AIFF expressed deep condolences, remembering him as a composed and dependable defender who made a lasting contribution to Indian football.
Known for his quiet demeanour and disciplined style of play, Pasha built his reputation primarily as a right wing-back, a role that demanded both defensive solidity and tactical awareness. Calm under pressure, he was admired for his precise tackles, intelligent positioning and ability to neutralise dangerous opponents, qualities that earned the trust of teammates and goalkeepers alike.
Pasha made his senior India debut on January 27, 1987, against Bulgaria during the Nehru Cup in Kozhikode. Over the course of his international career, he earned eight caps for the national team. He represented India in the Nehru Cup in 1987 and 1991, the 1991 SAF Games, and the 1992 Asian Cup qualifiers.
His football journey began at Vinayaka Football Club in Vyalikaval, north Bengaluru, where he lived. Strong performances at the grassroots level saw him move to Indian Telephone Industries in the mid-1980s, a step that propelled him into national contention. From 1987 onwards, he became a regular for Karnataka in the Santosh Trophy, featuring in tournaments held in Kolkata, Quilon (now Kollam), and Guwahati. Although Karnataka narrowly missed the final in Guwahati, Pasha’s performances stood out. Later, he also won the Santosh Trophy twice with Bengal, in 1993 and 1995.
At the club level, Pasha first made a mark with Mohammedan Sporting, where he won the Sait Nagjee Trophy and the Nizam Gold Cup in 1989. His career reached its peak after joining East Bengal, where he became an integral part of one of the club’s most successful eras during the 1990s.
Wearing the iconic red and gold jersey, Pasha enjoyed an illustrious run that included five Calcutta Football League titles, five IFA Shield victories, and four Durand Cup triumphs. His trophy cabinet also featured wins in the Rovers Cup, Federation Cup, Wai Wai Cup in Kathmandu, Airlines Trophy, Bordoloi Trophy, ATPA Shield, Kalinga Cup, McDowell Trophy and the Super Cup.
He was a member of East Bengal’s celebrated triple crown-winning team in 1990 and captained the side to its first international title at the Wai Wai Cup in 1993. Pasha also led the team during their memorable 6-2 victory over Iraq’s Al Zawraa SC in the Asian Cup Winners’ Cup in the 1993–94 season. In recognition of his immense contribution, East Bengal honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.
The AIFF and the wider football fraternity mourned the loss of a player remembered not just for his success on the pitch, but for his composure, professionalism and enduring influence on Indian football.