Shahid Afridi challenges Irfan Pathan over ‘barking like a dog’ remark

The long-standing rivalry between former cricketers Shahid Afridi and Irfan Pathan has once again flared up, spilling from the cricket field to heated exchanges off it. A recent video of Afridi has gone viral, in which the ex-Pakistan all-rounder directly challenged Pathan to confront him face-to-face rather than making remarks behind his back.

In an interview on a Pakistani channel, Afridi said, "Main usko mard maanta hoon jo saamne khada hoke baat kare. Peeth peeche baatein karna aasan hai, lekin izzat usi ko deta hoon jo saamne aake bole. Tabhi asli maza aayega, jawab bhi de paunga." ("I consider someone a real man if he can say things directly to my face. Talking behind the back is easy, but I respect those who confront me. That would make it interesting, as I can respond equally well.”)

The verbal duel between Afridi and Pathan isn’t new but has intensified amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions, especially following controversies such as the recent handshake row during the Asia Cup 2025. Afridi, who has often been vocal in anti-India campaigns, has remained a key figure in the ongoing rhetoric.

The latest spat stems from Afridi’s earlier comments questioning who the “real Pathan” is between him and Irfan. In response, the former Indian all-rounder recalled a heated incident from India’s 2006 tour of Pakistan, reigniting the war of words between the two.