From the narrow lanes of Ranchi to the big stage of Indian first-class cricket, Irfan Umair’s story reads like a modern sports fairy tale. The fiery bowler, who once toiled in Mumbai to keep his dreams alive, now presents a proud new chapter – his Ranji Trophy debut in Mumbai against Jammu and Kashmir. It is a journey of determination, hunger and belief – fueled by opportunity and forged through the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL).
When Irfan arrived in Mumbai in 2017, he had little more than a bag and a stubborn dream. To survive, he waited tables, did delivery shifts, even worked at a sushi restaurant – but his evenings always found him back on the field chasing cricket redemption under the dim lights. The game, he says, has never left him – even when life seems like it.
His breakthrough came in ISPL Season 2 where he was picked by Falcon Risers Hyderabad. Raw pace and unwavering control made Irfan one of the breakout stars of the season. His standout moment – saving 10 runs and conceding just three in a nerve-racking final against Bangalore Strikers – earned him instant recognition and a place among the league’s best players. ISPL didn’t just give him a platform; it gave him visibility, confidence, and financial stability—the fuel to dream bigger.
Riding on that pace, Irfan excelled in the T20 Mumbai League 2025 and delivered consistent spells that caught the attention of the selectors. His eventual Ranji debut is not only a personal milestone, but a symbol of what can be achieved with grassroots opportunities.
Suraj Samat, League Commissioner and ISPL Core Committee Member, said, “Our mission has always been to discover and nurture local talent from every corner of the country. Irfan’s rise, from tennis ball cricket to first-class cricket, is exactly what ISPL stands for. His journey is a testament to the talent hidden in India and the power of the right platform.”
Irfan’s success follows that of Abhishek Dalhor, another ISPL product, who became the net bowler for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025 after his outstanding all-round season.
With such stories redefining cricket at the lowest level, the ISPL has truly emerged as a bridge between tennis cricket and the professional circuit. The league is set to return in a bigger, bolder Season 3 – from January 9 to February 6, 2026 in Surat – with two new teams and fresh dreams waiting to take off.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
October 16, 2025
