Shahid Afridi is once again making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Appearing on Pakistani television, the former all-rounder exploded into a rant against former Indian player Irfan Pathan, accusing him of being “obsessed” with his name and going so far as to declare he doesn’t even consider him “a man.” Afridi claimed Irfan Pathan lacks courage, preferring to take jibes behind people’s backs rather than confronting them face to face.
In response, the former Indian all-rounder said that the former players and media of the neighbouring country are obsessed with the name of Irfan Pathan.
How it started, again!
This latest was of words between the duo started when Irfan Pathan revived an old story from 2006 in recent interviews and social media posts. Recalling a domestic flight from Karachi to Lahore during India’s tour of Pakistan, Irfan said Afridi had ruffled his hair mockingly, treating him like a child. To retaliate, Irfan later joked with Abdul Razzaq that Afridi must have eaten dog meat — his explanation for Afridi’s “barking” behavior.
Afridi has always denied this account and insists that Razzaq supports his denial. But Pathan’s decision to recall the anecdote in 2025 ensured the feud between the two was back in the spotlight.
From there, the exchanges spiraled. Afridi took to Pakistani media with heated challenges, branding Irfan a coward and questioning his manhood. Irfan, by contrast, has leaned on sarcasm, posting online that Pakistani ex-players and media seem “obsessed” with him. The more Afridi fumes, the more Irfan mocks — and the more the feud grows.
Why Afridi took it so personally
Irfan Pathan has shared in the past that there was always a bit of needle between him and Afridi because the ex-Pakistani player always wanted to show that he is the real Pathan. Afridi, a Pashtun by heritage wanted to show that he is the real Pathan, not Irfan Pathan from India..
Cricket meets politics
Afridi’s anger also fits into his broader public role. Over the years, he has openly criticized the Modi government, praised Rahul Gandhi, and positioned himself as a defender of Pakistan’s honor. Though he never entered politics formally, Afridi thrives on media spats that keep his image alive. And nothing plays better to domestic audiences than a televised war of words with an Indian cricketer.
This feud is now no longer about a hair-ruffling incident on a flight. It has become a case study in how old slights are repurposed in today’s hyper-media climate, feeding egos and fueling nationalist narratives. Irfan Pathan may have reignited the story in 2025, but Afridi’s overblown response has ensured it dominates headlines.
Conclusion
Nearly two decades later, the 2006 flight spat continues to echo — not because the insult was particularly sharp, but because Afridi refuses to let it go. Irfan throws in a sarcastic remark and moves on. Afridi, weighed down by his self-image as a Pathan hero, explodes into anger every time. And that is why, in this war of words, Irfan doesn’t need to win. Afridi’s fury defeats him on its own.
