India vs Pakistan cricket isn’t just about bat and ball. It’s about pride, emotions, and sometimes, legendary moments of sledging that fans never forget.
Recently, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan revealed one such unforgettable off-field moment that involved Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi and teammate Abdul Razzaq. The story has everything—sledging, humour, and a sharp punchline that silenced Afridi like never before.
The Flight Where Sparks Flew:
The incident dates back to India’s 2006 tour of Pakistan, a series remembered for its fierce competition. Both teams were traveling on the same flight from Karachi to Lahore. Tensions were naturally high, but what followed was pure drama.
As Pathan recalled, Afridi walked up to him during the flight, casually messed up his hair, and mockingly asked:
“How are you, kid?”
Afridi’s tone was condescending, almost as if he were trying to pull rank. But Pathan wasn’t one to back down. With a straight face, he fired back:
“Tu kab se mera baap ban gaya?” (Since when did you become my father?)
That sharp retort set the tone. Afridi wasn’t expecting it, and for once, the flamboyant all-rounder had no comeback ready.
The ‘Dog Meat’ Punchline That Shut Afridi Up
But the real highlight came a few moments later. Pathan was sitting next to Pakistan’s Abdul Razzaq when the conversation drifted to local food. Out of curiosity, Pathan asked Razzaq about the variety of meat available in Pakistan. Razzaq listed a few, and then Pathan, with a mischievous smile, added:
“Is dog meat available here?”
Everyone froze for a moment—because Afridi was right there. When Razzaq asked why he’d said that, Pathan hit back with a zinger that sent shockwaves across the cabin:
“Woh bhonk raha hai na, isliye. Usne kutte ka meat khaya hoga!” (He’s been barking, that’s why. Maybe he ate dog meat!)
The remark stunned Razzaq and completely silenced Afridi. For the rest of the flight, Afridi, known for his aggressive personality, had nothing more to say. Pathan had won the battle of words.
Pathan also revealed why he held a personal grudge against Afridi. In a chat with cricket expert Harsha Bhogle, Afridi once claimed that he was a “real Pathan,” subtly mocking Irfan as a “nakli Pathan” (fake Pathan).
This comment stung Irfan deeply, as his Pathan heritage was something he took pride in. From that moment, dismissing Afridi became a mission for him on the cricket field.
And he succeeded—Irfan dismissed Afridi 11 times across formats, including in big games. The most memorable scalp came during the 2007 T20 World Cup final, where Pathan’s spell helped India clinch the title against Pakistan.
India vs Pakistan matches are always high-voltage. Every ball, every word, and every gesture carries extra weight. What makes this story so engaging is that it shows how much the rivalry extended beyond the cricket ground.
Afridi was notorious for sledging, but Pathan’s witty comebacks proved that Indians were not to be intimidated. In fact, moments like these became a source of motivation for players and entertainment for fans.
Irfan Pathan’s witty exchange with Shahid Afridi is more than just locker-room banter. It’s a story that shows the mental toughness and quick wit needed to survive in high-pressure rivalries.
Afridi may have had the upper hand in sledging against many cricketers, but against Irfan Pathan, he met his match. And thanks to the unforgettable “dog meat” punchline, fans now have another gem to cherish in the long, colourful history of India-Pakistan cricket.
