'He's Eaten Dog's Meat' Irfan Pathan Shares How He Shut Down 'Badtameez' Shahid Afridi

When it comes to India vs Pakistan cricket match, the drama is never only on the pitch. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan, known for his swing bowling, recently opened up about a fiery moment from the 2006 tour of Pakistan that still packs a punch.

Even though his international career couldn’t flourish as much as he would have liked, Irfan had several memorable moments against arch-rival Pakistan, including his iconic first-over hat-trick in Karachi Test and the match-winning spell in the 2007 T20 World Cup final.

When Irfan Pathan Shut Down Afridi

© X/ICC

Apart from on-field victories, Irfan also sealed a few wins off it, including the one involving Shahid Afridi, whom he describes as a ‘badtameez aadmi (ill-mannered),’ on a flight from Karachi to Lahore on his second tour of Pakistan.

“During the 2006 tour, we were flying from Karachi to Lahore. Both teams were travelling together. Afridi came and put his hand on my head and messed up my hair. He asked me, 'How are you kid?’” Pathan said on Lallantop.

Irfan Pathan Taught Afridi a Lesson

जब फ्लाइट में किसी बात को लेकर शाहिद अफरीदी पर गुस्साए इरफान पठान ने बुरा सुना दिया. पूरा मामला क्या था?

पूरी बातचीत- https://t.co/yqVR25vYSG@saurabhtop @IrfanPathan #GITN #Interview #IrfanPathan #ShahidAfridi pic.twitter.com/HMuE0pCPCo

— The Lallantop (@TheLallantop) August 16, 2025

Now, for most, that might be a light-hearted gesture, but Irfan wasn’t amused. Instead of ignoring Afridi’s unruly gesture, he said, “I thought since when did you become my father. He behaved like a child. I was neither talking to him nor saying anything. After this, Afridi said some bad things to me. His seat was near mine.”

“Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq was sitting with me. I asked him what kind of meat is available here. He told me meat of different animals are available. After this, I asked whether dog meat is available. Razzaq was surprised to hear me and said, ‘Hey Irfan why are you saying this?” Pathan said on the podcast.

Afridi Barking Like a Dog: Irfan Pathan

© X/ICC

“He (Afridi) has eaten dog meat, he has been barking for so long. After this Afridi could not say anything. If he said anything I would have said look he is barking more. After this he remained quiet for the entire flight. He understood from this incident that he would not be able to fight me verbally. That is why he never said anything to me again,” he added, leaving Afridi with no choice but to shut up completely.

Irfan’s comeback wasn’t just quick, it was cutting. Even though he was only 22 at the time, not only did he show his displeasure, but also gave him back in a language he understood.