'You Guys Cheat!': Irfan Pathan Opens Up on Heated 2005 Delhi Test Clash with Kumar Sangakkara
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has vividly recounted a heated on-field confrontation with Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara during the 2nd Test in Delhi in December 2005. The dispute, triggered by a controversial ball change, quickly escalated into deeply personal sledging between the two players.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has recently unveiled the details of a fiery exchange with Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara during the 2nd Test of the India vs Sri Lanka series in December 2005, an incident that saw emotions run high and accusations of cheating hurled across the pitch. Pathan, speaking on JioHotstar's 'Cheeky Singles' programme, recounted how a dispute over a changed cricket ball spiralled into a deeply personal verbal spat, even as he was blazing his way to a crucial 93 runs for India. Harbhajan Singh Breaks Silence on NCA Expulsion in 2000: 'Meri Galti Nahi Thi'.
The Delhi Test Flashpoint
The incident unfolded during the second Test match of the series, played at the iconic Feroz Shah Kotla (now Arun Jaitley Stadium) in Delhi from December 10 to 14, 2005. Pathan, who was surprisingly promoted to open the innings, explained that the Sri Lankan team was already agitated after the umpires had reportedly changed the ball during their first innings.
"There was a Test match in Delhi. I opened and made 93. After the first innings, when we went to bowl, the box of balls had changed, or something like that happened, and the Sri Lankan players were not happy. Sangakkara was the most vocal of all," Pathan stated. The tension boiled over when Pathan, then 21 years old, began an aggressive assault on Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan, smashing him for two sixes.
'You Guys Cheat': The Personal Attack
It was at this point that a 28-year-old Kumar Sangakkara, usually known for his calm demeanor, unleashed a barrage of sledging. "Suddenly, Sangakkara started saying, 'You guys cheat, your parents teach you all this and blah blah.' He went personal, and I also answered back. He started it," Pathan revealed, highlighting the intense nature of the confrontation. Pathan's fierce response in the face of such accusations underscored the high stakes and raw emotions of Test cricket.
Match Details
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Teams | India vs Sri Lanka |
| Match | 2nd Test, India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2005 |
| Venue | Feroz Shah Kotla (now Arun Jaitley Stadium), Delhi |
| Date | December 10-14, 2005 |
| Result | India won by 188 runs |
| Irfan Pathan's Score | 93 runs (in the innings where incident occurred) |
From Rivals to Friends
Despite the fiery on-field encounter, which could have permanently strained their relationship, Pathan confirmed that the two cricketers eventually buried the hatchet. Years later, when they found themselves as teammates for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League in 2008, both players extended apologies to each other and became friends. This anecdote serves as a testament to the competitive spirit of cricket, where intense rivalry can often pave the way for mutual respect and camaraderie off the field.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 11, 2026 02:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
