'Class and decency aren't...': Danish Kaneria backs Irfan Pathan's 'badtameez aadmi' remark about Shahid Afridi

Dinesh Kaneria backs Irfan Pathan for his comments about Shahid Afridi. (AFP Photos)

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan recently opened up about his on-field clashes with ex-Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, recalling several heated moments from their playing days. In a candid interview, Pathan claimed that Afridi often tried to belittle him with unpleasant remarks. His revelations sparked widespread discussion on social media, with former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria also backing Pathan’s statements.

Kaneria, in support of Pathan, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "Irfan bhai, you're absolutely right. He always resorts to personal attacks, be it on someone's family or their religion. Class and decency clearly aren't his strengths."

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Speaking on Lallantop, Pathan recounted an incident from the 2006 tour of Pakistan when both teams were travelling together.

"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.

He continued, "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."

Pathan then revealed how he turned the tables on Afridi during the same journey.

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"Pakistan allrounder Abdul Razzaq was sitting with me then. 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 recalled.

"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."