Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi recently challenged Irfan Pathan when East-India all-rounder recalled a warm exchange from his game days. The former Indian all-rounder also replied that the former Pakistan captain asked him to come forward from the India-Pakistan match and speak face to face.
The rivalry between India and Pakistan is often spread beyond cricket. The ongoing Asia Cup 2025 in the United Arab Emirates has already been seen with handshake controversy and geopolitical tensions. Shahid Afridi has been active in anti -Indian campaigns, and his comments are now attracting even more attention.
Saamne Aake Baat Kare – Shahid Afridi Daras Irfan Pathan
Speaking on Pakistan’s SAMAA TV, Shahid Afridi insisted that he prefers to discuss face to face when he spoke behind someone’s back. Afridi said that Irfan should come and talk on his face, saying that he does not consider him a real man.
“Main Usko Mard Manta Hu Jo Samne Khara Hoke Baat Kare. Pakistani TV channel Sama said.
(I consider them as contestants who can talk face to face. Anyone can talk behind the back, but I only like to face those who can talk in front of me. It will give a spice to things. I can also give the correct answer.)
Shahid Afridi on Irfan Pathan.
He should talk to me face to face. I always consider a man a person who stands in front and interacts. He will spend his entire life in proving that he is Indian.pic.twitter.com/fhwfbawc9o
– Sherry. (@Callmesheri1_) September 19, 2025
Jununi Han by name – Irfan Pathan hit back in Shahid Afridi
Pathan took the social media account X (formerly known as Twitter) to respond to Shahid Afridi’s comments. Pathan said that his critics including neighboring country and media players are obsessed with him.
Pathan wrote, “AAP log Sahi Kehte: ‘These neighbors X Players and Media Irfan Pathan named SE Jununi Hain,” Pathan wrote.
Aap log sahi keh
– Irfan Pathan (@irfanpathan) September 20, 2025
The ongoing war of words after Pathan’s 2006 visit to Pakistan’s visit to Pakistan, where Afridi messed up his hair in a flight. Pathan jokingly called Afridi “barking like a dog”. Pathan rejected Afridi nine times in 154 delivery in international cricket.
Shahid Afridi, Irfan Pathan Number in International Cricket
Afridi performed his ODI in 1996 at just 16 years of age. He shocked the cricket world by scoring in 37 balls in the fastest ODI century, a record that lasted for years. Afridi portrayed in 398 Odis, scoring 8,064 runs with six centuries and 39 fifties. He also took 395 wickets at an average of 34.51.
Leg-spinner scored 1,716 runs in 27 Tests and took 48 wickets. Afridi also scored 1,416 runs and claimed 98 wickets in 99 T20I matches. He captained Pakistan in forms and played an important role in the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup victory.
Pathan made his international debut in 2003. He scored 1,105 runs in 29 tests, including a century, and took 100 wickets at an average of 32.26. Pathan also played 120 Odis and 24 T20I. He was important in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup Triumph and won the Player of the Match Award in the final.
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