Irfan Pathan Left Out of IPL 2025 Commentary Team
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan will not join the commentary panel for IPL 2025. After hanging up his boots in 2020, Irfan took on commentary, lending his insights to the IPL as well as the ODI and T20 World Cups. However, recent reports suggest that his exit stems from concerns among broadcasters regarding his commentary style.
Sources indicate that Pathan’s commentary has included personal grievances, occasionally spilling over into his social media posts. A BCCI source noted that his past conflicts with certain players have influenced his commentary, with claims that junior players were inadvertently caught in the tensions. Pathan has been criticized for subtly targeting these players without naming them in his posts.
In a move to continue engaging with cricket fans, Irfan recently launched his YouTube channel titled "Seedhi Baat With Irfan Pathan," where he provides detailed analysis of ongoing matches.
History of Commentary Conflicts
The cricket commentary landscape has seen its share of controversies. In 2016, Harsha Bhogle, a well-respected cricket commentator since the 1980s, was removed from the commentary panel by the BCCI just a week before his contract expired. Bhogle had been part of the IPL since its beginning in 2008, making the last-minute decision shocking. He had recently participated in auction events and promotional activities for the league.
A senior BCCI official explained, “When selecting commentators, we gather feedback from various sources. We keep an eye on social media reactions and also listen to player opinions.”
In 2020, Sanjay Manjrekar faced backlash from the BCCI after a public dispute with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who was insulted when Manjrekar called him a "bits and pieces" player during the 2019 ODI World Cup. Jadeja responded assertively on social media, emphasizing his achievements in the sport.
After his suspension, Manjrekar sought reinstatement for IPL 2021, admitting he had erred in his comments about Jadeja’s abilities. He has also had tense moments on-air, like a heated exchange with Harsha Bhogle during a pink-ball Test match in 2019.
Overall, the commentary arena in Indian cricket continues to evolve, marked by both talent and occasional disputes.
