The IPL 2025 commentary panel announcement stirred up a buzz, not just for the big names included, but for a notable exclusion — Irfan Pathan. Known for his candid analysis, Pathan has been a regular voice in past IPL editions, but reports suggest his absence this year is no coincidence. According to MyKhel, several Indian cricketers reportedly felt that Pathan’s on-air criticisms had become too personal, leading to complaints.
In a surprising revelation, it’s claimed that one player even blocked Pathan’s number after being upset by his remarks during the Australia series. A source cited by MyKhel said, “Otherwise, his (Pathan’s) name would have been there. It’s been happening for the last two years as he was carrying his personal agendas against certain players, and that didn’t go down well with the system.”
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Pathan’s situation isn’t an isolated incident. In the past, other prominent commentators like Sanjay Manjrekar and Harsha Bhogle have faced similar backlash from players. Manjrekar, known for his blunt opinions, was dropped from the BCCI commentary panel in 2020 following a series of controversies, including his comments on Ravindra Jadeja as a “bits and pieces player.”
🚨 CRICKET WHISPERS 💥
Irfan Pathan is kicked out of Star Sports commentator panel.
Irfan is accused of using Star Sports platform for his personal vendetta, presenting too biased views.
First got dropped from CT and now deservingly snubbed from IPL 2025.
— Chetan Sehrawat (@sehrawatc463) March 21, 2025
Addressing his removal, Sanjay Manjrekar had tweeted, “I have always considered commentary as a privilege, but never an entitlement. It is up to my employers whether they choose to have me or not.”
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Similarly, Harsha Bhogle unexpectedly dropped off the commentary roster just before IPL 2016, leaving him puzzled about the reason. Reflecting on the situation, Bhogle shared on Facebook, “I still don’t know why I am not doing the IPL. I genuinely hope it isn’t because cricketers have complained about what I have to say.”
As Pathan now joins this list of sidelined voices, it sparks a debate on the balance between honest critique and perceived bias in sports commentary.
