Home
The broadcasters chose not to include former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan on their commentary panel for the Indian Premier League's (IPL) 2025 season. According to reports, Pathan was passed up for the position after being charged with prejudice and making "potshots" at particular players. Following his retirement, Pathan has frequently provided commentary for India's international matches as well as IPL matches in both Hindi and English.
Irfan Pathan snubbed from IPL commentary
He was passed up for the position prior to IPL 2025, though. According to a Times of India report, the former all-rounder was passed over because of his social media activities, which targeted specific players and brought up personal grievances on the air. He had a "fallout" with these players a few years ago.
"Pathan had a fallout with a couple of players a few years ago. Since then, he has not shied away from referring to them aggressively. The matter was raised that other junior players got caught in the crossfire. He has been accused of taking potshots at them on social media platforms even if he didn't name them," sources close to the development told the newspaper.
The Indian legend is not the first well-known commentator to face disciplinary action from broadcasters following player complaints. For his contentious "bits and pieces" remarks on Ravindra Jadeja during the 2019 ODI World Cup, former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar was reportedly kicked off the BCCI's commentary panel for India's ODI series against South Africa back in 2020.
"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. Maybe BCCI has not been happy with my performance of late. I accept that as a professional," Manjrerkar posted on social media following the decision.
