In a surprising move, former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan has been left out of the commentary panel for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 due to repeated allegations of personal bias and controversial remarks aimed at certain players.
The IPL season kicked off on March 22, 2025, with a match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. However, fans and pundits alike were struck by Pathan's noticeable absence in the commentary booth, a space he had consistently occupied since his retirement from active cricket.
According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the decision following increasing dissatisfaction voiced by several players. Many accused Pathan of allowing personal opinions to color his analysis, particularly targeting players like Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya.
“It’s been happening for the last two years, where his personal biases were becoming evident,” stated a source close to the BCCI. Complaints surged after Pathan's outspoken criticism of Kohli during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which reportedly angered the star batsman. Similarly, his remarks about Pandya's return to domestic cricket did little to ease tensions within the team.
The discomfort felt by players reached a boiling point, leading to one unnamed cricketer allegedly blocking Pathan’s number to avoid further fallout. Complaints not only pointed to his tone, considered condescending by some players, but also indicated a pattern of seemingly making 'potshots' at individuals for whom he had had prior disagreements.
Pathan's criticism became a hot topic, especially following his commentary style changes post-retirement. While his insight and experience were once valued aspects of his role, it appears they have simultaneously become sources of contention. Players expressed concerns that junior teammates were caught in the crossfire of his commentary battles, complicating the professional environment.
In light of his growing troubles, Pathan has turned his focus towards other ventures, launching a YouTube channel named ‘Seedhi Baat With Irfan Pathan’ on the very day IPL 2025 started. He aims to share insights and commentary without the confines of traditional broadcasting platforms, venturing into content creation that connects directly to his fanbase.
Interestingly, Pathan is not the only commentator to feel the heat in recent years. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar faced similar consequences in 2020 when he was dropped from the commentary team after inciting ire among players with his remarks about Ravindra Jadeja. During a World Cup match, Manjrekar had controversially referred to Jadeja as a 'bits and pieces' player, a term that resonated poorly within the cricket community.
Manjrekar’s response to being cut was reflective of his understanding of commentary's precarious nature: “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.” The sentiment echoes the sentiments many other sports commentators share, highlighting a delicate balance between personal opinions and professional responsibilities.
Similarly, in 2016, veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle was excluded from the IPL commentary panel, sparking a flurry of speculation. He expressed confusion over his absence, suggesting it might stem from players' complaints about his take on the game.
As the dust settles over Pathan's exclusion, the IPL 2025 continues with its packed schedule, yet the event casts a shadow on how commentary dynamics play a vital role in cricket's ecosystem. With Pathan’s former colleagues serving as reminders of how personal biases can dictate setbacks, the quest for balanced commentary becomes paramount for broadcasters.
With the new season at peak, many will be closely watching if Pathan can carve out a successful path for himself through digital media, or if the commentary booth remains a space from which he remains excluded.
As the cricketing world continuously evolves alongside players and their personalities, the significance of objective commentary becomes increasingly relevant, ensuring that the spirit of the sport remains intact while providing a platform for everyone involved.
