Irfan Pathan’s Explosive Revelation on Shahid Afridi; Danish Kaneria Lends Support
Irfan Pathan revealed unpleasant encounters with Shahid Afridi during the 2006 Pakistan tour. Danish Kaneria supported Pathan’s claims, describing Afridi as lacking “class and decency,” sparking intense debate across cricketing circles.
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry has always been a theatre of intensity, drama, and unforgettable narratives. Recently, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan reignited memories of this fierce competition by sharing startling anecdotes about his on-field run-ins with ex-Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi. In a fortnight interview, Pathan recounted how Afridi often attempted to undermine him with unpleasant gestures and deplorable remarks.
Pathan’s disclosure quickly triggered a social media maelstrom, prompting varied reactions from cricket enthusiasts. Interestingly, Afridi’s former teammate, Danish Kaneria, validated Pathan's experience. Kaneria echoed his sentiments, bluntly asserting that Afridi was a player who consistently lacked “class and decency"
“Irfan bhai, you're 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 on X, while sharing a clip of Pathan’s revelations.
During a conversation with Lallantop, Pathan narrated an incident from the 2006 tour of Pakistan, which particularly highlighted Afridi’s behaviour.
“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 recalled.
Pathan said he found Afridii's actions childish and unnecessary. He explained that Afridi continued to make unkind comments even though he had not interacted with him. Seated nearby, Afridi provoked him further until Pathan decided to respond sharply.
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
Pathan revealed that he then asked Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, who was sitting with him, about the varieties of meat available locally. After Razzaq listed options, Pathan asked sarcastically if dog meat was also available.
Razzaq, startled by the unusual query, asked why he had brought it up. Pathan then quipped:
“He (Afridi) has eaten dog meat; he has been barking for so long. After this, Afridi could not say anything. If he said anythin,g I would have said "look he is barking more.”
The comment silenced Afridi for the remainder of the flight. Pathan said Afridi realized he couldn’t match him in verbal exchanges and never attempted to engage in such spats with him again.
The incident has once again shed light on the tempestuous dynamics between the two cricketing nations, with Pathan’s bluntness and Kaneria’s endorsement making the story even more provocative.
