2025-08-16T05:59:00Z

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Have you ever had a moment so heated it left you speechless? Imagine being on a plane with your cricketing arch-nemesis, and a playful jab turns into a full-blown verbal clash!

In a recent revelation, former Indian cricket star Irfan Pathan opened up about a fiery confrontation he had with Pakistani cricket legend Shahid Afridi during a 2006 flight from Karachi to Lahore. It was a moment that perfectly illustrated the tension between these two cricketing giants, and the story is as captivating as one of their epic matches.

This dramatic incident unfolded during India’s tour of Pakistan, where both teams shared a flight. According to Pathan, things got heated when Afridi—known for his flamboyant on-field persona—decided to take a cheeky jab at Pathan. He approached him, ruffled his hair, and called him a ‘kid’, igniting a spark that would lead to a fiery exchange.

Pathan, never one to back down, retorted with a sharp comeback: “Since when have you become my father?” His words painted a clear picture of the competitive spirit that drives both players. While Afridi’s teasing was meant to be lighthearted, Pathan wasn’t having any of it, quickly escalating the situation with his confidence and wit.

What truly took the cake was the conversation that followed. Seated beside Pathan was Pakistani all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, and as they chatted about local cuisine, the topic took a bizarre twist when Pathan playfully inquired about dog meat. This casual banter caught Afridi off guard. Razzaq’s shocked reaction spoke volumes, but Pathan was just getting started. He quipped, “He (Afridi) has eaten dog meat, he has been barking for a long time,” leaving the entire flight in a state of stunned silence.

Pathan noted that from that point onward, Afridi was left speechless, unable to counter Pathan’s sharp wit. “He understood that he could not win against me verbally. That's why he never said anything to me again,” Pathan recalled, with a hint of satisfaction.

It's moments like these—full of camaraderie, rivalry, and a sprinkle of humor—that make sports so captivating. They remind us that behind the fierce competition, athletes can share a bond that extends beyond the pitch.