Former India footballer and an East Bengal legend Ilyas Pasha breathed his last on Thursday after prolonged illness, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed on Thursday. Pasha passed away at the age of 61 and is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons.
Having made his professional debut with the Vinayaka Football Club in Bengaluru, the right-wing back carved a niche in Indian football and made his international debut in 1987. He represented India in Nehru Cup (1987 and 1991), the SAF Games (1991) and 1992 Asian Cup qualifiers.
Overall, Pasha played eight international games for India. At the start of his career, his consistent performances for the Vinayaka Football Club, earned him a move to Indian Telephone Industries in the mid-1980s. It was during this time, Pasha made his international debut for India.
Pasha became a regular for Karnataka in the Santosh Trophy from 19876 onwards and represented his state in 1987 (in Kolkata), 1988 (Quilon - now Kollam), and 1989 (Guwahati). Later, he switched states and won two Santosh Trophy titles with Bengal in 1993 and 1995.
Ilyas Pasha's time with East Bengal
Following his performances in the Santosh Trophy, Mohammedan Sporting Club signed Pasha. With the Black and Whites, Pasha won Sait Nagjee Trophy and the Nizam Gold Cup in 1989, thus enhancing his reputation. Following his successful spell at Mohammedan Sporting Club, Pasha was signed by East Bengal, thus ushering a new era.
For the Red and Gold, Pasha went on to become one of of the most trusted footballers under late coach Subhash Bhowmick and also captained East Bengal in 1993-94 season. He won the Calcutta Football League (1991, 1993, 1995, 1996 and 1998), the IFA Shield (1990, 1991, 1994, 1995 and 1997), and the Durand Cup (1990, 1991, 1993 and 1995), Rovers Cups (1990, 1994), Federation Cup (1996), Wai Wai Cup in Kathmandu (1993), Airlines Trophy (1990, 1992, 1995 and 1997), Bordoloi Trophy (1992), ATPA Shield (1992), Kalinga Cup (1993), McDowell Trophy (1995, 1997), and the Super Cup in the 1996-97 season, with East Bengal.
To add to more to that, Pasha was a part of the East Bengal side that won a treble in 1990 and the the captain of the side to their first international title at the Wai Wai Cup in 1993. Pasha also led East Bengal to a sensational 6-2 victory over Iraq's Al Zawraa SC in the 1993-94 Asian Cup Winners' Cup. The Red and Gold gave Pasha a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.
AIFF condoles Ilyas Pasha's death
The AIFF condoled the death of Pasha. “The All India Football Federation condoles the death of former India defender Ilyas Pasha, who passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, after a prolonged illness,” it said.
“At @eastbengal_fc, Pasha enjoyed a glittering decade-long career as a defensive mainstay, captaining the side, winning multiple domestic and international trophies, and playing a central role in one of the most successful eras in the club’s history,” the post said.
