Cricket fans in India are no strangers to old controversies returning to the spotlight. In recent days, a five-year-old interview of former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has resurfaced, sparking heated discussions on social media.
The subject at the centre of the debate is none other than Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian captain under whom Pathan played his last international matches. While one clip has drawn attention for Pathan’s remarks on hookah and selection, another video highlights the strong friendship he once shared with Dhoni, Robin Uthappa, and Suresh Raina.
Together, the resurfaced statements paint a complex picture of camaraderie, loyalty, and the dynamics of the Indian dressing room. Leading to the creation of what we call today the Irfan Pathan Hookah Controversy. And in this article we will go over the controversy, take a look at the source from where it stems and what the different parties have to say about it.
What is the Hookah Controversy involving Irfan Pathan and MS Dhoni?
The controversy first re-emerged from a 2020 interview that Pathan gave to Sports Tak. At that time, he opened up about his departure from the Indian team in 2012.
Although his last ODI saw him take five wickets, Pathan never featured in the national side again. Many fans have long speculated about the reasons behind his exit, and Pathan’s comments added fuel to the debate.
Watch Video: Irfan Pathan alleges Dhoni of favoritism
In the interview, he hinted that social bonding played a role in how certain players were treated. While he did not take names directly, the insinuation was clear when he referred to Dhoni’s room and hookah sessions.
Pathan said, “I don’t have a habit of setting up hookah in someone’s room or talking about this. Everyone knows. Sometimes, if you don’t speak about it, it’s better. A cricketer’s job is to perform on the field, and that is what I used to focus on.”
The remarks were widely seen as a subtle dig at Dhoni. Many interpreted them as an allegation that players who shared off-field activities with the captain received more chances than those who did not. For a cricketer of Pathan’s caliber, who had played crucial roles in both Tests and limited-overs formats, the suggestion was both surprising and controversial.
What is the context of Hookah Controversy?
The so-called “hookah controversy” between Irfan Pathan and MS Dhoni has often been blown out of proportion. In reality, it traces back to a 2020 SportsTak interview where Pathan reflected on the difficult phase after being dropped from the Indian team in 2008.
Under Dhoni’s captaincy, he admitted seeking clarity on public remarks about his bowling. While Dhoni reassured him, Pathan felt repeatedly pressing for answers would hurt his self-respect. The “hookah” mention wasn’t a swipe at Dhoni or anyone else—it was Pathan’s way of stressing professionalism, making it clear he never leaned on off-field bonding for career progress.
Irfan Pathan was one of India’s brightest young stars in the early 2000s. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and contribute valuable runs down the order, he was hailed as the next great all-rounder. He played a pivotal role in several victories, including the famous 2007 T20 World Cup win, where he was named Player of the Match in the final.
However, his international career never reached the heights it once promised. Injuries, loss of form, and intense competition for places saw him fade from the scene. His last appearance for India came in 2012, under Dhoni’s captaincy, leaving many to wonder whether he was sidelined too early. The resurfaced interviews have reopened that debate, with some suggesting that Pathan’s comments are evidence of non-cricketing factors influencing his career trajectory.
Is there enmity between MS Dhoni and Irfan Pathan?
As the hookah comment gained traction again, another video from a 2021 interaction with Zee News also went viral. In this one, Pathan’s tone was very different. He fondly recalled the bond he shared with Dhoni, Uthappa, and Raina during their playing days.
“Robin Uthappa, Suresh Raina and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Ye teen jo khiladi hote they, na to ye mere bina khana khate they, na to mai inke bina khana khata tha. Itni hamari zabarzast yaari thi jab hum saath mai khelte they,” Pathan said.
Translated into English, this meant that the three players never ate without him, and he never ate without them. According to Pathan, that was how strong their friendship was during their time together in the Indian side.
This clip presented a stark contrast to the earlier one. Rather than hinting at favoritism or politics, Pathan spoke about camaraderie, shared meals, and the brotherhood that often defines life in a cricket team.
Fans React to Contrasting Narratives
The return of these two clips has split opinions among fans. On one side, critics argue that Pathan’s hookah remark shows he was frustrated with how selections were handled and felt that off-field loyalty mattered more than on-field performance. On the other hand, the video about shared meals demonstrates that he also cherished warm memories with Dhoni and his teammates.
Some believe that both statements can be true at the same time. A strong friendship does not rule out differences or frustrations, especially when careers are on the line. Others feel that Pathan may have spoken candidly in frustration in one interview while showing respect and affection in another.
SKD’s take on Hookah Controversy
The resurfacing of Irfan Pathan’s comments has once again highlighted the fragile balance between personal relationships and professional careers in Indian cricket. His words reflect both admiration for his teammates and lingering disappointment about how his own journey ended. For fans, it is another reminder that the stories behind the scenes are often more complex than they appear on the field.
Whether one chooses to focus on the hookah controversy or the heartwarming account of friendship, one thing is certain: Irfan Pathan’s time with Dhoni and company continues to spark debate and fascination, years after his last match in Indian colors.
