Irfan Pathan Recalls Heated Exchange with Kumar Sangakkara During 2005 Test
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has shared details of a heated confrontation with Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara during a Test match in Delhi in 2005. The incident arose when the Sri Lankan team expressed dissatisfaction over a change in the ball used during their innings, leading to escalating tensions between the players.
Pathan, who scored 93 runs in that match, noted that Sangakkara's frustration grew as he began to hit Muttiah Muralitharan for sixes. This prompted Sangakkara to accuse Pathan and his teammates of cheating, which led to a personal exchange between the two players. Pathan remarked that the argument went beyond typical competitive banter.
Despite the intensity of their exchange, the two later reconciled when they found themselves on the same team in the Indian Premier League with Kings XI Punjab. Pathan recalled feeling awkward but ultimately apologized to Sangakkara, who also expressed regret, leading to a friendship between them.
