'Irfan Pathan se obsessed hain': Ex-India seamer's subtle dig at Shahid Afridi

A day after Shahid Afridi's rant on Pakistani TV went viral on social media, Irfan Pathan hit back, albeit without categorically naming the former Pakistan player.

In a social media post, Pathan wrote, "Aap Log sahi kehte hain: ‘Ye padosi X players aur media Irfan Pathan ke naam se obsessed hain.’ [Everyone is right. These ex-players and media of neighbouring country are obsessed with Irfan Pathan].




Afridi and Pathan, who had a tough face-off when they were playing, have taken it to social media and commentary boxes now. In a recent video, ex-Pakistan all-rounder Afridi urged Pathan to come and talk to him face to face.

While speaking on Pakistani channel Samaa TV, Afridi said, “Main usko mard manta hu jo samne khara hoke baat kare. Peeth peeche itni baat karni hain, lekin manu usko hi jo samne aake baat kare. Phir maja ayega na, jawab bhi de sake banda. (I believe them as competitors 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. That would spice things up. I can also give the perfect reply).”

The back-and-forth between these two ex-cricketers is not new. Last month, while appearing on a Lallantop podcast, Pathan had said, “During the 2006 tour, we were flying from Karachi to Lahore. Both teams were travelling together. Afridi came up and put his hand on my head and messed up my hair. He asked me how I am.”

Afridi's gesture did not go down well with Pathan. His befitting reply completely shut down the Pakistan all-rounder.

“Abdul Razzaq was sitting with me then. I asked him what kind of meat is available here. He told me meat from different animals is 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, that is why he is barking like one,” Pathan further added.

On the field, Pathan bowled 154 deliveries to Afridi during their storied careers. In them, Pathan dismissed Afridi nine times, which is around one wicket every 17 deliveries.

The war of words between Pathan and Afridi has become even louder in the current political climate between the two countries. On the field, India and Pakistan have met once already in the Asia Cup and will square off once again tomorrow in the Super 4s stage. They could meet one more time, in the final, if things go as per plan.

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