Former India Footballer and East Bengal legend Ilyas Pasha passes away

Indian football has lost one of its stalwarts with the demise of Ilyas Pasha, a revered right-back who shone for East Bengal Club from 1990 to 1998.

Pasha, who played for East Bengal in their Golden Years

in the 1990s, passed away on Thursday (January 22) after a prolonged illness.

Pasha was born in Bengaluru and started his career locally at the Vinayak Football Club in Vyalikaval, a north Bengaluru suburb. Pasha was known for his defensive composure and excellent tackling ability, and donned the India shirt many times after his debut in 1987.

Joining from Mohammedan Sporting in 1990, Pasha donned the No. 17 jersey and quickly earned a spot in the first team. His overlapping runs down the right flank often complemented the club's right winger, making him a cornerstone of East Bengal's defense for nearly a decade.

Pasha captained East Bengal to memorable triumphs, including the 1993 Cup Winners' Cup title with a resounding 6-2 victory over Iraq's Al-Zawraa. That same year, the team also clinched the Y-Y Cup in Kathmandu, Nepal.

During his tenure, Pasha contributed to an impressive trophy haul: five Calcutta League titles, four Durand Cups, five Shields, two Rovers Cups, four Airlines Gold Cups, and one each of the Federation Cup, Bordoloi Trophy, Super Cup, McDowell Cup, S.S.S. Trophy, and A.T.P.A. Shield.

The club honored Pasha's legacy on multiple occasions. In 2012, during its foundation day celebrations, East Bengal invited him alongside Ahmed Khan from Bengaluru for recognition. In 2019, he was felicitated on the club's centenary stage with other former captains. The AIFF also condoled Pasha's death, who has been a legend of Indian football.