Broadcasters reportedly unhappy with Irfan Pathan’s personal remarks on-air and on social media. The ex-cricketer launches own YouTube channel following the snub.
March 23, 2025: New Delhi — Former Indian cricketer and popular IPL commentator Irfan Pathan has reportedly been excluded from the commentary panel for IPL 2025, marking a surprising turn in his post-retirement media career.
Pathan, who had become a staple voice during IPL broadcasts in recent years, was notably absent from the commentary box during the season opener between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. According to a report by The Times of India, the decision stems from broadcaster concerns over Pathan allegedly bringing personal biases into his commentary.
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🎙️ Personal Grudges on Air?
A BCCI source, quoted in the report, stated that Pathan had past disagreements with certain players and “did not shy away from referring to them aggressively,” both on air and through indirect jabs on social media. This behavior allegedly impacted younger players, leading to complaints and raising concerns among the commentary and broadcasting teams.
Despite his exclusion, Irfan appears unfazed. On March 22, he launched his own YouTube channel titled “Seedhi Baat With Irfan Pathan”, where he plans to continue delivering cricket analysis independently.
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📚 Not the First Time
Pathan now joins a growing list of high-profile figures who have faced similar exits from the commentary box. In 2020, Sanjay Manjrekar was removed after his infamous “bits and pieces” comment on Ravindra Jadeja during the 2019 World Cup.
Likewise, Harsha Bhogle was unexpectedly dropped from the IPL panel in 2016, sparking widespread speculation over backstage disagreements.
🏏 On the Field
Meanwhile, the IPL 2025 kicked off with RCB defeating KKR by 7 wickets at Eden Gardens. While the cricket on the field continues to thrill fans, the off-field dynamics around commentary continue to make headlines.
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