Irfan Pathan reveals on-field spat with Kumar Sangakkara in 2005

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has revealed he had an on-field spat with Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara during the second Test in Delhi in 2005. Pathan said Sangakkara was the most vocal after Sri Lanka objected to a change in the box of balls and later sledged him personally after he hit Muttiah Muralitharan for two sixes.

Pathan said Sangakkara accused the Indian players of cheating and went personal, prompting Pathan to answer back. The incident occurred when Pathan opened the batting and scored 93 in the first innings.

In 2008, both players became teammates at Kings XI Punjab in the inaugural IPL season. Pathan said he apologised to Sangakkara after the auction and the two became good friends, acknowledging that emotions run high during matches.