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In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves through the cricket world, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has levelled serious accusations against ex-Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, labelling him an “ill-mannered” player prone to personal attacks. This claim has been publicly supported by former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria, who described Afridi as lacking “class and decency” and highlighted his own past experiences with the controversial player.
A bitter rivalry between Irfan Pathan and Shahid Afridi
Pathan, speaking on a popular Indian media show, detailed several tense encounters with Afridi. He recalled an incident during a 2006 flight where Afridi behaved condescendingly towards him. Pathan’s sharp retort, “Since when have you become my father?” set the tone for their strained relationship. The rivalry intensified when Afridi allegedly called Pathan a “fake Pathan,” a comment that the Indian all-rounder found deeply insulting and personal. Pathan claims that while Afridi tried to provoke him off the field, his performance on it spoke for itself, as he dismissed Afridi a remarkable 11 times in international cricket. The verbal volleys didn’t stop there, with Pathan recounting a moment where he silenced Afridi with a cutting remark about his alleged consumption of dog meat.
Danish Kaneria backs Irfan Pathan’s claims
The controversy gained further momentum when Danish Kaneria, a former teammate of Afridi, publicly backed Pathan’s claims on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Kaneria’s post read, “Irfan 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.”
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
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Kaneria’s support stems from his own bitter experiences in the Pakistan dressing room, where he has previously accused Afridi of discrimination due to religious differences. Kaneria, a Hindu, alleged that Afridi encouraged teammates to avoid eating with him and exhibited discriminatory behaviour—accusations Afridi has consistently denied.
While Afridi remains a celebrated figure in his home country, his controversial remarks and behaviour have often polarized both fans and former players. The candidness of Pathan and Kaneria in speaking out about these issues has resonated with cricket fans globally, who are now reminded of the emotional and volatile undercurrents that have long defined one of the sport’s fiercest contests. As the debate unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Afridi will respond, but this new chapter confirms the lasting impact that personal dynamics can have on the history and legacy of sports.
Also READ: “Stop using patriotism when it suits you”: Danish Kaneria slams BCCI over Asia Cup approval
