Pathan Clears Air On Rivalry With Fellow Baroda-Born Indian All-Rounder

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan is never short of courting controversy. He did so by questioning the selection of Hardik Pandya in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad, saying that he did not do anything extraordinary in Indian colours to be given such preferential treatment. 

But, it seems like he wants to make amends and has thus cleared the air on having a rivalry with Hardik, who is also from Baroda, the same town as Irfan. 

“There’s no animosity between us. No cricketer from Baroda who has made it big can claim that Yusuf or I didn’t support them at any stage,” Pathan said in a video shared by the Lallantop. 

“Even legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar were never above criticism. What matters is that it’s respectful and constructive. I’m not okay with the derogatory comments made about Hardik,” added the 39-year-old, explaining why he criticised Hardik in the first place. 

Pathan further said that he was the first one to support Pandya by recommending him to VVS Laxman ahead of the 2012 IPL auction. 

“VVS Laxman himself told me he regretted not listening to my advice. If he had, Hardik would’ve played for SRH,” he said. 

Pandya, who has not played for the Indian team since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in March, will be in action again on India’s tour of Australia in October.