Ilyas Pasha, the lord of East Bengal, reliably from his golden age

Ilyas Pasha represented a rare breed of footballer; a footballer who was praised more for his consistency and reliability than for his charisma and flair.

Most of the game’s legends emerge from creative roles and provide fans with moments of spectacle to cheer for. However, Pasha shaped his legacy in a different way.

As a right-back, he became legendary among East Bengal supporters for his free role, initiating attacks with purpose and remaining steadfast in defence. In the process, he became inextricably linked to the glorious history of the East Bengal Football Club.

Pasha joined East Bengal from Mohammedan Sporting in 1990 and quickly cemented his place in the starting XI. His overlapping runs down the right flank often mirrored the work of a right winger, adding a new attacking dimension to the team. For over nine seasons, Pasha remained one of the most reliable pillars of East Bengal’s defense.

In 1993, Pasha was entrusted with the captaincy. Under his leadership, East Bengal registered a historic 6-2 victory over powerful Iraqi club Al-Zawraa in the Cup Winners’ Cup. The same year the club also made a triumphant return from Kathmandu, Nepal, where they won the prestigious Wai Wai Cup.

Pasha etched his name in East Bengal’s hall of fame during a golden era that saw the club win five Kolkata Football League titles, five IFA Shields, four Durand Cups, two Rovers Cups and four Airlines Gold Cup titles. He was also part of the title-winning squads for the Federation Cup, Bordoloi Trophy, Super Cup and McDowell Cup, among others.

In 2019, Pasha was one of the key figures honored during the club’s centenary celebrations, when East Bengal paid tribute to its former captains. He continues to live on in the hearts of the red and gold supporters because of his dedication, loyalty and sense of responsibility, both as a captain and as a consummate footballer.

In memory of his immense contribution to the club’s lasting glory, the East Bengal flag was flown at half-mast.

Published on January 22, 2026