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Asia Cup 2025: Irfan Pathan Takes Cheeky 'Second Best Team' Dig At Pakistan 

Akshita Patel

Irfan Pathan trolls Pakistan ahead of Asia Cup clash vs India [Source: @TrulyMonica, @dhillow_/X.com]Irfan Pathan trolls Pakistan ahead of Asia Cup clash vs India [Source: @TrulyMonica, @dhillow_/X.com]

Ahead of the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 encounter, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has added spice to the rivalry with a cheeky dig. In a viral tweet, he referred to Sri Lanka as the ‘second best team in Asia’, thus snubbing Pakistan.

This remark came after Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by six wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 match 5. The islanders crushed the Tigers with the help of Pathum Nissanka’s half-century and Wanindu Hasaranga’s spin magic, proving they are still one of Asia’s toughest sides.

Irfan Pathan Rubs Salt On Pakistan’s Wounds

Meanwhile, to take a subtle dig at Pakistan, Irfan Pathan declared Sri Lanka the second-best team in Asia on social media. 

The timing of his post made it even more interesting. Only days earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha had raised eyebrows during a press conference when a journalist suggested Afghanistan were Asia’s second-best team. 

Irfan Pathan's tweet [Source: @IrfanPathan/X.com]Irfan Pathan's tweet [Source: @IrfanPathan/X.com]

His knowing smirk seemed to imply Pakistan deserved that spot instead. Pathan’s post, therefore, looked like a sharp counter, placing Sri Lanka ahead of Pakistan in the pecking order.

This subtle war of words has only added spice to Sunday’s blockbuster India-Pakistan clash. Social media platforms lit up with reactions, with Indian fans hailing Pathan for his clever jab, while Pakistani supporters accused him of stirring unnecessary controversy.

India-Pakistan Clash To Take Place Amid Heavy Uproar

That being said, India will face arch-rivals Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 encounter scheduled on September 14 in Dubai. While Indian fans strongly called for a boycott, the BCCI refused to intervene, citing prior clearance from the government.

The Indian government previously confirmed through a statement that Team India will not play any bilateral series with Pakistan. However, for ICC and ACC events, the team has to comply with global rules, keeping the larger geopolitical picture in mind.