Former India National Cricket Team all-rounder Irfan Pathan has finally broken his silence on the MS Dhoni hookah controversy, which has become the biggest talking point in Indian cricket.
Since the old video of Irfan Pathan went viral on social media, where he alleged MS Dhoni of being a hookah smoker, the internet has been enjoying a meme-fest.
What is the MS Dhoni-Irfan Pathan hookah controversy?
Recently, a 5-year-old clip of the former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan’s interview with SportsTak journalist Vikrant Gupta went viral on social media.
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In the video, Irfan was seen talking about his snub from the Indian team without any proper communication under MS Dhoni’s captaincy.
He even alleged that his international career ended abruptly because Dhoni favored players who would set up and join him in smoking hookah.
Pathan expressed his discomfort with constantly seeking validation from Dhoni and said that him refusing to “set up the hookah” for Dhoni could have contributed to his exclusion.
It was not the first time someone had spoken about MS Dhoni’s alleged hookah addiction, as once former Australian captain George Bailey had mentioned that the CSK legend uses hookah sessions as a kind of team-bonding.
Mein aud MS Dhoni sath beth kar pienge – Irfan Pathan
The former India all-rounder Irfan has faced heavy bashing from Dhoni fans since his clip went viral on social media, and now he has finally broken his silence on the matter.
Irfan Pathan actually shared a heartfelt post for Mohammed Shami on his birthday, in which a fan asked him about the hookah controversy, to which he replied that he would smoke it with Dhoni.
In another post, Irfan speculated whether his old video being circulated with a twisted context is a PR move to damage his reputation.
“Wishing the seam king @MdShami11 a very happy birthday. Looking forward to see your bowling for India again soon. Have a great one,” Irfan stated.
“Pathan bhai woh hookey ka kya hua???,” a fan replied to the post. “Mein or @msdhoni sath Beth kar pienge;) [I and MSD will smoke together],’ Irfan responded
Mein or @msdhoni sath Beth kar pienge;)
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 3, 2025
“Half decade old video surfacing NOW with a twisted context to the Statement. Fan war? PR lobby?” Irfan wrote on X.
Half decade old video surfacing NOW with a twisted context to the Statement. Fan war? PR lobby?
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 3, 2025
Harshit Rana’s numbers are slightly better – Irfan Pathan
Recently, Irfan also shared his views on the KKR pacer Harshit Rana being picked over Harshal Patel for the Asia Cup 2025 and said that the young pacer has a better record in powerplay.
“Harshal Patel and Harshit Rana, if you compare, where he might have missed out, the numbers are very similar in the middle and the death overs in terms of economy.
“But when it comes to power play, Harshit Rana’s numbers are slightly better. If the situation arises that they want to play Harshit Rana with the new ball and partner with Bumrah, they might have that thought process and this is where he (Harshal) misses out,” he said in a interaction organized by Sony Sports Network, as quoted by SportsKeeda.
