Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi recently challenged Irfan Pathan after the ex-India all-rounder recalled a heated exchange from their playing days. The former Indian all-rounder also responded after the former Pakistan skipper asked him to come and speak face-to-face ahead of the India-Pakistan match.
The rivalry between India and Pakistan often extends beyond cricket. The ongoing Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE has already been overshadowed by the handshake controversy and geopolitical tensions. Shahid Afridi has been active in anti-India campaigns, and his comments are gaining even more attention now.
Speaking on Pakistan’s Samaa TV, Shahid Afridi emphasized that he prefers face-to-face discussions over talking behind someone’s back. Afridi stated that Irfan should come and speak to his face, adding that he does not consider him a real man.
“Main usko mard manta hu jo samne khara hoke baat kare. Peeth peeche itni baat karni hain, lekin manu usko hi jo samne aake baat kare. Phir maja ayega na, jawab bhi de sake banda,” Afridi said on Pakistani TV channel Samaa TV.
(I believe them as competitors who can talk face to face. Anyone can talk behind the back, but I only like to face those who can talk in front of me. That would spice things up. I can also give the perfect reply.)
Shahid Afridi on Irfan Pathan. ?He should talk to me face to face. I always consider a man to be one who stands in front and talks. He will spend his whole life proving that he is Indian.pic.twitter.com/fhWFBawC9O
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) September 19, 2025
Naam Se Obsessed Hain - Irfan Pathan Hits Back at Shahid Afridi
Pathan took to social media account X (formerly known as Twitter) to respond to Shahid Afridi’s comments. Pathan stated that his critics, including players from the neighboring country and the media, are obsessed with him.
"Aap Log sahi kehte hain: ‘Ye padosi X players aur media Irfan Pathan ke naam se obsessed hain,’" Pathan wrote.
Aap Log sahi kehte hain: ‘Ye padosi X players aur media Irfan Pathan ke naam se obsessed hain.’
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 20, 2025
The ongoing war of words reignited after Pathan recalled a 2006 Pakistan tour incident, where Afridi messed up his hair on a flight. Pathan then jokingly called Afridi “barking like a dog.” Pathan dismissed Afridi nine times in 154 deliveries in international cricket.
Shahid Afridi, Irfan Pathan Numbers in International Cricket
Afridi made his ODI debut at just 16 in 1996. He stunned the cricketing world by scoring the fastest ODI century in 37 balls, a record that lasted for years. Afridi featured in 398 ODIs, scoring 8,064 runs with six centuries and 39 fifties. He also took 395 wickets at an average of 34.51.
The leg-spinner scored 1,716 runs in 27 Test matches and took 48 wickets. Afridi also amassed 1,416 runs and claimed 98 wickets in 99 T20I matches. He captained Pakistan across formats and played a pivotal role in their 2009 ICC T20 World Cup victory.
Pathan made his international debut in 2003. He scored 1,105 runs in 29 Tests, including one century, and picked up 100 wickets at an average of 32.26. Pathan also played 120 ODIs and 24 T20Is. He was crucial in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup triumph and won the Player of the Match award in the final.
Also read: Rishabh Pant's comeback delayed, BCCI finalizes new first-choice Test wicketkeeper
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