Irfan Pathan has responded following remarks from former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi, who targeted him over a past war of words during their playing days. Afridi, known for making controversial statements, denied that Pathan had made certain comments against him and challenged him to speak face-to-face. Afridi has also been vocal about the ongoing 'handshake' controversy in Asia Cup 2025, which has raised questions about his credibility as a cricket expert.

"Main usko mard manta hoon jo samne khara hoke baat kare. Peeth peeche itni baat karni hain, lekin manu usko hi jo samne aake baat kare. Phir maza aayega na, jawab bhi de sake banda," Afridi said on Pakistani TV channel Samaa TV.

In reply, Pathan took to X and wrote: "Aap log sahi kehte hain: 'Ye padosi X players aur media Irfan Pathan ke naam se obsessed hain.'" The controversy originated from an incident Pathan revealed from 2006, when he and Afridi had a heated interaction during the teams’ travel from Karachi to Lahore.

The 2006 Incident Recalled

"During the 2006 tour, we were flying from Karachi to Lahore. Both teams were traveling together. Afridi came up and put his hand on my head and messed up my hair. He asked me how I was," Pathan told Lallantop. "Abdul Razzaq was sitting with me then. I asked him what kind of meat was available here. He told me meat from different animals was available. After this, I asked whether dog meat was available. Razzaq was surprised to hear me and asked the reason behind my statement. I pointed at Afridi and said that he has eaten dog meat, which is why he is barking like one," Pathan added.

Aap Log sahi kehte hain: ‘Ye padosi X players aur media Irfan Pathan ke naam se obsessed hain.’

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 20, 2025

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This incident has rekindled old rivalries between the ex-cricketers and illustrates how things from years ago can come back to life and gain traction in today's cricketing conversation.