Introduction
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just about cricket on the field—it’s also about the voices off it that shape fan opinions and narratives. Among the most popular commentators in recent years has been former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan. But ahead of IPL 2025, fans were surprised to see his name missing from the official commentary panel.
Now, Irfan Pathan has broken his silence. In a candid conversation, he revealed that his removal from the panel wasn’t due to Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, as speculated, but rather because of his straightforward critiques of Hardik Pandya.
Clearing the Air: Not About Virat or Rohit
When Irfan Pathan’s name disappeared from the IPL 2025 commentators’ list, early rumors suggested that his criticism of senior stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may have triggered the move. However, Pathan has firmly dismissed those claims.
He clarified:
“It wasn’t Virat or Rohit. If I’m criticising you in seven matches out of 14, I’m still being very lenient. That is our job as broadcasters.”
This statement makes it clear that Pathan sees commentary as a professional responsibility—calling out performances when necessary, without making it personal.
The Hardik Pandya Angle
In his latest remarks, Pathan hinted that it was his analysis of Hardik Pandya’s leadership and on-field decisions that may have led to his ouster. According to him, broadcasters and even certain players were uncomfortable with his frank evaluations.
Reports earlier in March 2025 suggested:
- Pathan’s commentary was viewed by some as being overly critical of certain players.
- He frequently targeted Hardik Pandya’s captaincy and decision-making, which did not sit well with a section of the cricketing community.
- At least one player (reportedly Hardik) had even blocked his number, showing clear friction between the two.
Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not issued any official statement confirming this, Pathan’s words have strongly hinted at Pandya’s role in the fallout.
Timeline of the Controversy
- March 2025 – BCCI and broadcasters announced the commentary panel for IPL 2025. Pathan’s name was missing, raising eyebrows among fans.
- Speculations Begin – Media reports initially linked his absence to his sharp comments about Kohli and Rohit.
- Pathan Speaks Out – In interviews, Pathan clarified that neither Kohli nor Sharma had anything to do with it. Instead, he suggested that Hardik Pandya was uncomfortable with his commentary.
- Fan Reactions – Social media exploded with debates. Many fans supported Pathan’s right to critique players, while others felt commentators must maintain balance and avoid targeting individuals too often.
Pathan’s Perspective on Commentary
For Pathan, being a commentator means being honest with the audience. He admitted that he criticised players when their performances demanded it, but insisted that he always stayed professional.
“If you don’t analyse a player’s mistakes, you’re not doing your job. Commentary isn’t about sugarcoating, it’s about telling the audience what went right and what went wrong.”
This professional approach, however, seems to have backfired in the high-stakes, politically sensitive environment of the IPL.
Wider Impact and Reactions
Mixed Opinions in the Cricket World
- Supporters of Pathan argue that fans deserve honesty, and that his analysis brought depth to the broadcast.
- Critics of Pathan say that he sometimes crossed the line from analysis into personal digs, which could make players uncomfortable.
Rise of “Seedhi Baat with Irfan Pathan”
Interestingly, after being dropped from the commentary panel, Pathan turned the controversy into an opportunity. He launched his own YouTube show titled “Seedhi Baat with Irfan Pathan”, where he gives match reviews and cricket insights without any restrictions.
This move has resonated with fans who feel he was unfairly silenced, and it has given Pathan a direct connection with his audience.
The Bigger Picture: Commentary and Cricket Politics
This incident highlights a broader issue in modern cricket broadcasting: where does one draw the line between professional criticism and personal bias?
- Commentators are expected to be honest and analytical.
- Players, however, can feel targeted when the same individual faces repeated criticism.
- Broadcasters, always balancing business and relationships with cricketers, often act cautiously to avoid upsetting big names.
Pathan’s case brings this tension into the spotlight. While his critiques may have been fair, the backlash shows how fragile the ecosystem between broadcasters, players, and boards can be.
Conclusion
Irfan Pathan’s revelation about being dropped from the IPL 2025 commentary panel due to Hardik Pandya has sparked one of the biggest off-field controversies of the season. While there’s no official confirmation from BCCI, Pathan’s candid statements have already fueled debate on whether commentators are truly free to speak their minds.
For now, Pathan remains defiant, continuing to voice his opinions through his independent platform. Whether the IPL commentary box has lost a fearless analyst or removed a controversial voice is a matter of perspective—but one thing is clear: the issue of commentary freedom in cricket has never been more relevant.
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