Kolkata, Jan. 22 -- Former India defender and East Bengal captain Ilyas Pasha passed away here on Thursday after a prolonged illness.
He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and two sons.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed the news and offered condolences to his family.
A committed and soft-spoken footballer, Ilyas Pasha carved out a distinguished career in an area of the field that demanded resilience and composure - defence. Primarily operating as a right wing-back, he was renowned for his impeccable sense of timing, calm demeanour, and ability to read the game astutely.
Rarely flustered under pressure, Pasha's disciplined positioning and well-judged tackles ensured that opposing left wingers found little joy on his...