Shocking for many that Irfan Pathan isn’t a part of the commentators in IPL 2025! But many are not aware of the reason the former pace bowler is sidelined for this tournament. We all know how anticipated are fans regarding the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The 2025 season of IPL kicked off with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clashing against the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), at the Eden Gardens. BCCI organized a grand opening ceremony, and the broadcasters were trying to make the league’s every moment a memorable one.
All matches are being televised and streamed live in multiple languages, having a star-studded commentary panel for the prestigious tournament. But all eyes were on the notable omission, Irfan Pathan.
The former Indian all-rounder cricketer has been serving regularly as the commentator for many years. He was so serious about the work, that he started commentary even before he retired from all formats of cricket.
Undoubtedly, Irfan had marked a separate standard for himself, proving out to be amongst the best commentators, especially from India.
Let us delve into the reason behind the former pace bowler’s non-inclusion in the commentary panel.
Personal Bias against Players!
According to the recent reports, it is said that the reason behind Irfan Pathan’s personal bias against the player is the reason for his non-inclusion in the commentary panel. This time, the broadcaster felt disappointed with his commentary style. They feel bringing personal grudges on commentary panel is not right.
One of the sources conveyed to the media that “Irfan Pathan had a disagreement and dispute with a set of players. This happened a few years ago, and ever since then, the former pace bowler hasn’t shied away from pointing to them rudely with force. The scenario was reported that certain junior players got stuck in the clashes. Despite not naming them, he has been accused of using mocking pokes at them via social media platforms.”
Possibility of Return to Commentary Panel
It isn’t new that a commentator is sidelined and has made a comeback in the world of cricket. For instance, Sanjay Manjrekar was removed from the commentary panel but returned after a few years. On the other hand, Harsha Bhogle was also dismissed from the panel in 2016. But a year later, he came back, making a solid return.
However, the comeback would solely depend on the behavior and activities of that particular commentator.
Why are broadcasters not Happy with Irfan Pathan as a Commentator?
One of the main reasons is that Irfan owns a YouTube channel in which he keeps talking about player performances. Along with that, he adds his point of view and opinion, which are harsh sometimes. The broadcasters feel that having personal grudges on certain players should not reflect in their commentary.
Above all, they did not like the way he spoke about the players through his social media handle and YouTube channel.
Complaints Lodged against Irfan Pathan
Most of the players feel that Irfan Pathan’s professional analysis is overshadowed by his personal opinions. “This is not the way a commentary is done,” say players, and they have also lodged complaints against him.
One such incident happened during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, in which Irfan made remarks on Virat Kohli. That incident had not only upset the star batsman, but also created a bad impression of Irfan amongst the spectators.
Again, it was the same with Hardik Pandya, and this time, Irfan Pathan’s strongly critical viewpoint and comment also created tension.
His agendas were so deep that they kept interfering with the real analysis. And, regarding this, even the BCCI could not help stop his removal from the cricket panel.
Also Read: Virat Kohli’s Record-Breaking Opportunities for RCB in IPL 2025
Netizens’ Discussion on Social Media
Following these incidents, the netizens have been actively discussing on social media. And, that too, by commenting in random posts that have Irfan’s topic in them.
On the other hand, a few people have been saying that if dismissing Irfan Pathan was right, then what about other biased commentators? They mean to say that Ambati Rayudu should be removed from the commentary panel for his biased attitude towards Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Irfan Pathan does commentary in both English and Hindi. In either of the languages, his words are rude, mocking and clearly showcases biased opinions on players. That is the reason broadcasters have avoided him for IPL 2025 and even BCCI couldn’t do anything about it.
Having been in commentary for so long, his links, friendships in the management and nothing could not save him from getting removed from the commentary panel.
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IPL 2025 Has NO Irfan Pathan’s Commentary Due To Personal Bias
Shocking for many that Irfan Pathan isn’t a part of the commentators in IPL 2025! But many are not aware of the reason the former pace bowler is sidelined for this tournament. We all know how anticipated are fans regarding the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The 2025 season of IPL kicked off with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clashing against the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), at the Eden Gardens. BCCI organized a grand opening ceremony, and the broadcasters were trying to make the league’s every moment a memorable one.
All matches are being televised and streamed live in multiple languages, having a star-studded commentary panel for the prestigious tournament. But all eyes were on the notable omission, Irfan Pathan.
The former Indian all-rounder cricketer has been serving regularly as the commentator for many years. He was so serious about the work, that he started commentary even before he retired from all formats of cricket.
Undoubtedly, Irfan had marked a separate standard for himself, proving out to be amongst the best commentators, especially from India.
Let us delve into the reason behind the former pace bowler’s non-inclusion in the commentary panel.
Personal Bias against Players!
According to the recent reports, it is said that the reason behind Irfan Pathan’s personal bias against the player is the reason for his non-inclusion in the commentary panel. This time, the broadcaster felt disappointed with his commentary style. They feel bringing personal grudges on commentary panel is not right.
One of the sources conveyed to the media that “Irfan Pathan had a disagreement and dispute with a set of players. This happened a few years ago, and ever since then, the former pace bowler hasn’t shied away from pointing to them rudely with force. The scenario was reported that certain junior players got stuck in the clashes. Despite not naming them, he has been accused of using mocking pokes at them via social media platforms.”
Possibility of Return to Commentary Panel
It isn’t new that a commentator is sidelined and has made a comeback in the world of cricket. For instance, Sanjay Manjrekar was removed from the commentary panel but returned after a few years. On the other hand, Harsha Bhogle was also dismissed from the panel in 2016. But a year later, he came back, making a solid return.
However, the comeback would solely depend on the behavior and activities of that particular commentator.
Why are broadcasters not Happy with Irfan Pathan as a Commentator?
One of the main reasons is that Irfan owns a YouTube channel in which he keeps talking about player performances. Along with that, he adds his point of view and opinion, which are harsh sometimes. The broadcasters feel that having personal grudges on certain players should not reflect in their commentary.
Above all, they did not like the way he spoke about the players through his social media handle and YouTube channel.
Complaints Lodged against Irfan Pathan
Most of the players feel that Irfan Pathan’s professional analysis is overshadowed by his personal opinions. “This is not the way a commentary is done,” say players, and they have also lodged complaints against him.
One such incident happened during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, in which Irfan made remarks on Virat Kohli. That incident had not only upset the star batsman, but also created a bad impression of Irfan amongst the spectators.
Again, it was the same with Hardik Pandya, and this time, Irfan Pathan’s strongly critical viewpoint and comment also created tension.
His agendas were so deep that they kept interfering with the real analysis. And, regarding this, even the BCCI could not help stop his removal from the cricket panel.
Also Read: Virat Kohli’s Record-Breaking Opportunities for RCB in IPL 2025
Netizens’ Discussion on Social Media
Following these incidents, the netizens have been actively discussing on social media. And, that too, by commenting in random posts that have Irfan’s topic in them.
On the other hand, a few people have been saying that if dismissing Irfan Pathan was right, then what about other biased commentators? They mean to say that Ambati Rayudu should be removed from the commentary panel for his biased attitude towards Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Irfan Pathan does commentary in both English and Hindi. In either of the languages, his words are rude, mocking and clearly showcases biased opinions on players. That is the reason broadcasters have avoided him for IPL 2025 and even BCCI couldn’t do anything about it.
Having been in commentary for so long, his links, friendships in the management and nothing could not save him from getting removed from the commentary panel.