As Virender Sehwag once rightly said to a Pakistani cricketer (Shoaib Akhtar), “Beta beta hotah hai and baap baap!!” And the quote holds true for the Indian cricket team’s record against Pakistan in World Cups so far. But there is another “BAAP” in this rivalry that the Cricketing World recently discovered. And his name is Irfan Pathan!!
Generally, the Pakistani fans talk about numbers, rivalry and anything and everything that will help them sleep at night. Anxiety and depression has been their long-term spouse when it comes to India vs Pakistan rivalries.
Whether they then take it out on the TV, Biwi or anyone else, the fact remains that ‘We Own It’ (Thanks Wiz Khalifa)
But, at the end of the day, there is one player vs player rivalry which they can’t twist around in any way. And that is Irfan Pathan vs Shahid Afridi!!
Why Irfan Pathan Is Shahid Afridi’s On-Field “Daddy” And There Is No Denying This Fact!?
Though some may say that they were from different generations of cricket, the overlap is quite clear. And this time period was clearly dominated by Irfan Pathan; there are no two ways about it. And the record speaks for itself!!
Which other bowler (okay all-rounder) can boast about dismissing Afridi 11 times!? That too in crucial games and in a World Cup final!?
Let’s hear what the younger PATHAN (ASLI PATHAN) had to say about this so-called RIVALRY that was doing the rounds on Social Media at one time and what started it all!!
Now, is this a rivalry for real or is it like the GREATEST RIVALRY, just namesake and on paper!? Did Afridi actually make an impact against one of India’s best all-rounders!? Especially during his early days, before his serious injury that impacted his action; definitely NOT!!
Now, whether the Pakistani fans like Irfan Pathan or not, but they need to respect him. And he keeps taking small digs at OUR NEIGHBOURS from time to time.
What The Former Indian All-Rounder Posted After The Recent Indian Win Over Pakistan!?
Well, everyone was delighted with the WIN that Team India picked up over Pakistan. The team didn’t really celebrate on the pitch. But the troll started on Social Media and it kept going on for days. 7-1 has now become 8-1. And Irfan Pathan couldn’t help himself from trolling Pakistan too.
Padosiyo…..
Sunday kesa raha?
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 15, 2026
Well, at the end of the day, some teams and players need to learn their place. No doubt that Pakistan was a TOP TEAM at some point in their cricketing history. But now is not the case anymore. Especially, in comparison to the Indian team.
Whether they can make an impact in the current T20 World Cup or not, remains to be seen. But, for now, it’s India all the way. And Irfan Pathan owns this so-called rivalry with Shahid Afridi aka LALA. And the sooner that the Pakistani media and fans accept it, the better it will be for the Cricketing World.
Let there be PEACE!!
