Amid handshake row, Pakistan's Shahid Afridi blasts Irfan Pathan: 'I don't consider him a man'

Shahid Afridi has refuted Irfan Pathan's account of a mid-air argument during India's 2006 tour of Pakistan, labeling Pathan's claims as fabricated. Afridi questioned Pathan's intentions, suggesting he's trying to prove that he's Indian. He challenged Pathan to confront him directly, dismissing the alleged incident as a lie supported by Abdul Razzaq's denial.

Afridi has responded to Irfan Pathan on the 'dog meat' comments made in an earlier interview (Images via X/Screengrab)

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has dismissed Irfan Pathan’s recent account of a mid-air altercation during India’s 2006 tour of Pakistan, calling the claims fabricated and questioning Pathan’s intentions. About a month earlier, Pathan had recalled on Lallantop a heated exchange with Afridi on a flight from Karachi to Lahore. He claimed Afridi had ruffled his hair, addressed him as a “kid,” and used abusive language when confronted. Pathan also alleged that Afridi fell silent after being mocked in front of teammate Abdul Razzaq during the incident.

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Afridi's response surfaced online after two videos of him on a television show started making rounds. Dismissing Pathan’s version of the conversation, Afridi used his former teammate for support. “Abdul Razzaq said these are lies, there was no conversation about dog meat,” Afridi said. The former Pakistan captain further challenged Pathan to address him directly. “Main usko mard manta hu jo samne kadha ho k baat kare (I consider him a man who says things face to face and looks me in the eye). He can keep talking behind my back. I can only respond if he says it on my face, what should I respond to this lie,” Afridi remarked. Afridi went on to question Pathan’s motives. “I think he’s trying to prove that he is a great Indian and how I’m against Pakistani’s. Poor guy, he’ll spend his entire life proving how great of an Indian he is,” he said. However, in the same, Afridi also said, "I was happy when Irfan was new and came for the Pakistan tour as a Muslim was representing India. He should be thankful that India lacked pacers in that era and bowlers with a speed of 120-125 got a chance to play." The 2006 incident remains a talking point in light of the long-standing India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, with Afridi and Pathan once again trading sharp words years after their on-field battles. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan will clash once again in the Super Four stage after the defending Asia Cup champions secured a resounding 7-wicket win in their Group A clash earlier on Sunday.

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