The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is officially underway, and amid the excitement, one name notably absent from the commentary panel is former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan. Once a staple of the IPL commentary scene, Pathan’s exclusion has drawn attention for its surprising cause: complaints from several Indian cricketers who believe his comments have strayed into personal bias.
The official announcement regarding the IPL 2025 commentary team was made on March 21, 2025, just a day before the tournament's kickoff. The IPL season started with a thrilling match between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, yet the buzz was overshadowed by the absence of one of the tournament's familiar voices.
While Pathan has been acclaimed for his insightful commentary in previous seasons, reports suggest that multiple players have raised concerns about his remarks, suggesting they are more driven by personal agendas than objective analysis. During the recent Australia series, one Indian player was so offended by Pathan's commentary on his performance that he reportedly blocked the commentator's phone number. A source quoted by MyKhel indicated, “Otherwise, his (Pathan’s) name would have been there. It’s been happening for the last two years as he was carrying his personal agendas against certain players and that didn’t go down well with the system.”
Pathan isn't alone in facing backlash for his on-air remarks. His situation echoes past controversies involving other prominent commentators. Sanjay Manjrekar was removed from the BCCI’s commentary panel for India's ODI series against South Africa in 2020 after facing intense criticism over controversial comments made in 2019, including a public spat with Harsha Bhogle and derogatory remarks about Ravindra Jadeja. Manjrekar himself commented on the nature of commentary, stating, “I have always considered commentary as a great privilege, but never an entitlement. It is up to my employers whether they choose to have me or not & I will always respect that.”
Bhogle, similarly, was mysteriously omitted from the commentary panel without explanation just before the IPL in 2016. He expressed his bewilderment on social media, saying, “I still don’t know why I am not doing the IPL this season. I can handle the fact that some people might not like me, but I sincerely hope it’s not because some players have raised issues with my comments.”
The handling of commentary by former players like Pathan, Manjrekar, and Bhogle highlights the delicate balance between providing honest commentary and maintaining professional relationships with current players. The dynamic within commentary teams continues to evolve, raising questions about how commentators can provide candid assessments without ending up sidelined.
Following his exclusion from IPL commentary, Pathan has taken a bold step into the digital realm, launching his own YouTube channel titled “Seedhi Baat with Irfan Pathan.” On March 22, 2025, Pathan announced this new venture, inviting fans to join him for unfiltered discussions. He tweeted, “Mic on, filter off. #SeedhiBaat with #IrfanPathan – jahan baatein hoti hain asli.” This move demonstrates a shift in how former players can interact with fans and provide their perspective outside traditional broadcasting mediums.
As the IPL 2025 progresses, the absence of Pathan poses an intriguing scenario for viewers accustomed to his insights. His peers, including luminaries like Sunil Gavaskar, Anil Kumble, and Michael Clarke, continue to call the games, maintaining the high standards expected from cricket commentary.
Despite the controversies, the cricketing world acknowledges the role of commentators as not just analysts but as influencers who shape public perception of players and game situations. The IPL maintains its status as one of the most popular cricket tournaments globally, and the commentary team remains an integral part of its success.
The debate surrounding Pathan’s exclusion exemplifies the tensions between commentary authenticity and the professional decorum expected within the cricketing fraternity. The IPL 2025 season featuring KKR versus RCB serves as a reminder of the ever-complex interplay that characterizes cricket commentary today.
As the dust settles on this issue, one thing is clear: the door to candid discussions about players and their performances is crucial but must be navigated carefully to prevent mutual discord. The journey of commentators like Pathan into alternative platforms is a sign of the changing landscape of sports media, where fan engagement takes on new forms.
Ultimately, the IPL 2025 commentary panel reflects a blend of seasoned professionals and new voices, all eager to narrate the unfolding drama of India’s favorite cricketing festival. Fans will undoubtedly continue to watch closely, both for the matches and the commentary, as they cheer for their teams.
