“Why Bark After Eating Dog Meat?” – Irfan Pathan’s Verbal Duel with Afridi

Heated exchanges between rival cricketers are not uncommon, but some remain etched in memory for their sheer intensity. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan recently recalled one such incident involving Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi during India’s 2006 tour of Pakistan.

In a candid interview with The Lallantop, Pathan revealed that a quarrel broke out mid-flight between Karachi and Lahore, when Afridi provoked him by ruffling his hair in a playful yet mocking manner. The Indian cricketer, irritated by the gesture, snapped back at Afridi, leading to a fiery verbal exchange.

Pathan narrated the episode: “We were flying from Karachi to Lahore in 2006. Both teams were on the same flight. Suddenly Afridi came towards me, placed his hand on my head and started messing up my hair. Then he asked, ‘How are you, kid?’
I replied, ‘Since when did you become my father?’ His behaviour was childish, and he was not even my friend. After that, he walked away, muttered a few unpleasant words, and sat in a nearby seat.”

Sitting beside Pathan on the flight was another Pakistani all-rounder, Abdul Razzaq. Their conversation quickly became the turning point of the incident.

Pathan recalled: “Razzaq was seated next to me, so I asked him what kind of meat was available in Pakistan. He replied that many varieties were common. I then asked if dog meat was available. Afridi was within earshot. Razzaq was shocked and said, ‘Why would you even say that, Irfan?’”

Pathan, however, pressed further: “I told him, ‘He (Afridi) has eaten dog meat, that’s why he keeps barking for so long.’ Afridi turned red with anger but said nothing. Whenever he tried to speak again, I repeated, ‘Look, he is barking once more.’ Eventually, he remained silent for the entire flight.”

According to Pathan, the incident left a lasting impression on Afridi: “He realised after that day that he could never beat me in a verbal exchange. That’s why he never picked an argument with me again.”

This colourful anecdote adds another layer to the long and fiery India–Pakistan cricketing rivalry, highlighting not only the competitive spirit on the field but also the verbal battles that unfolded off it.