Irfan Pathan recalls Kumar Sangakkara cheating accusations in 2005 Test

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has shared details regarding a heated on-field confrontation with former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara during a 2005 Test match in Delhi.

The dispute arose following the first innings when umpires changed the box of balls, a decision that left the Sri Lankan team dissatisfied. Pathan recalled that Sangakkara was the most vocal player regarding the incident, accusing the Indian team of cheating. The verbal exchange escalated when Sangakkara allegedly questioned the upbringing of the Indian players, stating that their parents teach them such behavior.

Pathan, who scored 93 runs during India's second innings, noted that the tension increased after he hit Muttiah Muralitharan for consecutive sixes. The incident occurred during a three-match Test series in which India eventually secured a 188-run victory in that specific match.