Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shared a never-heard-before story from the 2006 tour of Pakistan, where he had a fiery exchange with Shahid Afridi during a team flight. Speaking in an interview, Pathan revealed how Afridi’s attempt to joke with him turned into a war of words, and how the episode ended with the Pakistan star being left speechless.
Pathan’s bond with Pakistan cricket has always been an intriguing one. He had scripted history in Karachi that same year by picking up a Test hat-trick in the very first over. Off the field, he has often enjoyed a dig or two at Pakistan, whether through commentary or on social media.
But among all Pakistan players, Shahid Afridi remained his fiercest rival. The rivalry picked up heat when Afridi, in a chat with Harsha Bhogle, mocked the Indian cricketer by calling him a "fake Pathan". This naturally was not well received by Irfan Pathan, who did all the talking with the ball and dismissed Afridi 11 times in international cricket.
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Irfan Pathan Opens Up on Verbal Duel That Left Shahid Afridi Speechless on 2006 Tour
In his chat with Lallantop, Pathan opened up on how Afridi had tried to irritate him on a flight during the 2006 series.
"During the 2006 tour, we were flying from Karachi to Lahore. Both teams were travelling together. Afridi came and put his hand on my head and messed up my hair. He asked me, ‘How are you kid?'" Pathan said as quoted on Lallantop.
The left-arm pacer felt disrespectful and admitted he could not hold back his irritation.
"I thought since when did you become my father. He behaved like a child. I was neither talking to him nor saying anything. After this Afridi said some bad things to me. His seat was near mine," he added.
It was then that Abdul Razzaq, who was seated next to Pathan, unknowingly became part of the episode. To take a jab at Afridi, Pathan decided to start a conversation with Razzaq.
"Pakistan allrounder Abdul Razzaq was sitting with me then. I asked him what kind of meat is available here. He told me meat of different animals are available. After this I asked whether dog meat is available. Razzaq was surprised to hear me and said, ‘Hey Irfan why are you saying this?'"
Only then did Pathan reveal his actual target. He used the remark to take a direct jab at Afridi, who had been trying to get under his skin.
"He (Afridi) has eaten dog meat, he has been barking for so long. After this Afridi could not say anything. If he said anything I would have said look he is barking more. After this he remained quiet for the entire flight. He understood from this incident that he would not be able to fight me verbally. That is why he never said anything to me again," Pathan concluded.
India Champions Refused To Face Pakistan Champions in WCL 2025
In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, India Champions refused to play against Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends 2025 (WCL 2025) twice. They forfeited the semi-final as well.
Reportedly, Pathan was among the players who decided to not take the field with Pakistani players, also involving Afridi.
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