[EXCLUSIVE] "Irfan Pathan refused to play versus Pakistan Legends and now sharing the commentary box with Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis": Atiq-uz-Zaman

[The Bald Eagle]

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper and current Germany head coach Atiq-uz-Zaman joins PakPassion for an unfiltered assessment of Pakistan’s ongoing struggles — from tactical errors on the field to deeper issues off it. He also weighs in on the unsportsmanlike refusal of the Indian players to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts.

From a shocking 63 dot balls in a T20I innings to concerns over fitness, coaching, and team mentality — Atiq doesn’t hold back.

Key topics discussed:

• Toss Decision: Why batting first was a costly mistake, and how Salman Ali Agha misread Pakistan’s strengths during the Asia Cup clash.
• Player & Team Issues: A lack of confidence, consistency, and experienced coaching staff — is Pakistan drifting into T20I minnows territory?
• Off-Field Concerns: Could something as simple as uncomfortable uniforms in the Dubai heat be holding players back?
• Advice for the Team: Why sticking to basics and blocking out external pressure is vital ahead of future India clashes.
• The No-Handshake Incident: Atiq slams the lack of post-match handshakes as “absolutely disgraceful” and calls out ICC’s weak leadership.

Watch the full interview with Saj here:

 

[IAJ]

Iski ‘grace’ kidhar gai?

 

[BullaKeepsItOpen]

It was not Irfan Pathan 's decision but the collective decision of the whole team to not play the match

 

[BouncerGuy]

It was not Irfan Pathan 's decision but the collective decision of the whole team to not play the match

But the excuse they used to boycott was same here as well... Why hypocrisy here?

 

[BullaKeepsItOpen]

Again, the excuse/reason was a collective decision. He might not necessarily think that boycotting the math would mean anything, but it's a team game

 

[GudduBadmash]

Meanwhile Irfan Pathans family lost a piece of land and are fighting in courts of Gujrat. He will keep on proving his loyalty while being treated as a third class citizen.

That is pretty sad, if he has to do that for the sake of his family then that is infinitely more important than showing loyalty to a country he has never lived in or has no affinity towards.

The same way people here give Kaneria grief should in theory be applied to Irfan too. He is Indian not Pakistani

 

[DeadlyVenom]

He was known as Naqli pathan by Afridi but perhaps more apt would be Naqli principles.

But what it does prove is he is a true Indian. They can sell their dead martyrs for a few quid and stop the crocodile tears when the money comes in.

I feel sorry for the Pahalgam victims that their memories have been used to build clout for these has been then discarded like a used tissue.

 

[BouncerGuy]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1968381140064178685

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

That is pretty sad, if he has to do that for the sake of his family then that is infinitely more important than showing loyalty to a country he has never lived in or has no affinity towards.

The same way people here give Kaneria grief should in theory be applied to Irfan too. He is Indian not Pakistani

Guddu bro - usne likh Diya & you believed it?
Where's the proof that IP's background was Becoz of which he is fighting the court case? Would U say the same U have said above, if the people opposing IP & his family in the courts are of the same background as IP?
How did it not cross ur mind that this can be a common property ownership case between two individuals/families ?
Sorry, but isn't this playing the victim card & the xphobia card world wide...that we see day in & out ?

 

[Rafale Nidhal Fan]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1968381140064178685

how?

 

[Human786]

Irfan is a idiot !

 

[Human786]

He was known as Naqli pathan by Afridi but perhaps more apt would be Naqli principles.

But what it does prove is he is a true Indian. They can sell their dead martyrs for a few quid and stop the crocodile tears when the money comes in.

I feel sorry for the Pahalgam victims that their memories have been used to build clout for these has been then discarded like a used tissue.

Do not generalize ...

 

[Local.Dada]

Wasim and Waqar are Australian citizens FYi I remember Waqar himself saying he is Aussie