Former Indian player Amit Mishra has opened up about his online verbal clash with his former India teammate Irfan Pathan. The incident happened in 2022.
It all started when Irfan Pathan posted a cryptic message on X (then Twitter) about the political situation in India. The former Indian all-rounder wrote: “My country, my beautiful country, has the potential to be the best country in the world. BUT…”
Although Pathan did not reveal the reason for the post, many believed it was related to the tension between the two main religious communities in the country. Pathan’s post came after a series of incidents of communal violence across the country.
Amit Mishra noticed the post and was quick to respond. Responding to Pathan, he wrote, “My country, my beautiful country, has the potential to be the best country in the world… only if some people realise that our constitution is the first book to be followed.”
Later, Pathan responded to his former Indian teammate by posting a copy of the preamble of the Indian Constitution and writing, “I have always followed this and I urge every citizen of our beautiful country to follow it. Please read it and re-read it…”
My country, my beautiful country, has the potential to be the best country on the planet. BUT………
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 21, 2022
My country, my beautiful country, has the potential to be the best country on the planet… only if some people realize that our constitution is the first book to follow.
-Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) April 22, 2022
Recently, Amit Mishra was asked about the controversy when he appeared on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast. Recalling the incident, the narrator said that he still stands by his statement and said, “It was the first book that was followed. Yes, it is true. Though I received a lot of abuse, I also received a lot of love, much more than that abuse.”
“But I spoke from the heart. If rules are followed in ten other countries you visit, why not in India? India is also a country with rules and regulations; respect them. What is the problem? If you have a problem, leave,” he added.
Amit Mishra on his meeting with Irfan Pathan:
Amit Mishra revealed that he met Irfan Pathan after the controversy during his comments and also shook his hand. When the host asked him if there was cordiality in the meeting, the veteran host indirectly made it clear that he never had a good relationship with Irfan Pathan.
“I used to shake his hand but never hug him. I keep my distance, I keep the relationships as they are. I love my friends close. The ones who are business are business. The close ones are close,” said Amit Mishra.
Both Mishra and Pathan played together several times for Team India. Mishra played 22 Test matches, 36 ODIs, and 10 T20Is for India while Pathan played 29 Test matches, 120 ODIs, and 24 T20Is for the national team. As of now, Pathan has retired from the game while Mishra played in this year’s IPL. Both former Indian cricketers have also been plying their trade as commentators.
