Pathan recently appeared on an Indian TV show, where he wasted no opportunity to hurl insults against Pakistan and its players. His comments drew attention for their harshness and controversial nature.

When asked by the host about the atmosphere during Pakistan-India cricket clashes, Pathan bluntly said it is filled with “abuses and foul language.”

He went further, targeting Pakistanis by claiming that they behave as if “they have taken responsibility for Muslims all over the world.” His remarks quickly sparked criticism for being unnecessarily provocative.

On the subject of former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, Pathan accused him of once calling him a “fake Pathan.” He added that had Afridi not said this, there would have been no personal issue between them.

Pathan proudly reminded the audience that he had dismissed Afridi 11 times in international cricket, including on major occasions, calling it one of his notable achievements.

During the program, he also recalled an incident from the Karachi-to-Lahore journey of both teams, openly defending the use of abusive language against Afridi.

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This outburst from Irfan Pathan reflects the deep-rooted rivalry that often spills off the field between India and Pakistan cricket legends. While healthy competition is part of the sport, such harsh personal remarks damage the spirit of the game.

Pathan’s claim of dismissing Afridi 11 times may underline his cricketing record, but pairing it with abusive language portrays him more as a controversial figure than a sportsman. The targeted comments against Pakistan and Muslims further politicize cricketing discussions, which already remain tense between the two nations.

For Afridi’s fans, Pathan’s remarks appear more personal than professional, raising questions about whether grudges from the field are overshadowing the dignity expected from former players.