The rivalry between India and Pakistan has seen many heated moments on the field but sometimes the tension spills well beyond cricket. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan recently opened up about his clashes with Shahid Afridi.
He recalled an ugly exchange during India's 2006 tour of Pakistan. Pathan's blunt remarks - in which he described Afridi as ill-mannered, have now found support from Afridi's one-time teammate Danish Kaneria.
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Irfan Pathan recalls altercation with Shahid Afridi
In an interview with Lallantop, Pathan revealed that a confrontation with Afridi began on a flight when the Pakistan star playfully tugged his hair. Pathan said he didn't take kindly to the act as the two were not friends and the situation escalated with Afridi allegedly using abusive language.
"The childish behaviour was actually his. He was not my friend. After that, Afridi said some abusive words to me. His seat was right next to mine," Pathan said.
Pathan added that he eventually snapped back with sharp words of his own, leaving Afridi silent during the incident.
Danish Kaneria backs Irfan Pathan, slams Shahid Afridi
Reacting to the clip of Pathan's comments, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria sided with the Indian cricketer. Writing on X, Kaneria accused Afridi of frequently crossing the line in personal interactions.
"Irfan bhai, you're absolutely right. He always resorts to personal attacks—be it on someone's family or their religion. Class and decency clearly aren't his strengths,” Kaneria wrote.
Irfan @IrfanPathan bhai, you’re absolutely right. He always resorts to personal attacks—be it on someone’s family or their religion. Class and decency clearly aren’t his strengths.pic.twitter.com/nWOEA3vz49
— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61) August 17, 2025
Kaneria has often been at odds with Afridi. In the past, he alleged that the former Pakistan captain encouraged teammates to isolate him because of his faith.
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Afridi dismissed those claims, calling Kaneria a "liar" seeking sympathy after his spot-fixing ban in county cricket. With both Pathan and Kaneria speaking out, Afridi's reputation off the field has once again come under scrutiny.
The controversy highlights the lingering tensions and unresolved issues that continue to shadow some of Pakistan's former cricketers.