The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is already making headlines, but this time it’s not about players or matches. Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has been left out of the IPL 2025 commentary panel, surprising fans and raising questions. Reports suggest that his exit might be linked to complaints from cricketers about his personal remarks during commentary, sparking a heated discussion in the cricket world.
Why Was Irfan Pathan Removed
Irfan Pathan, a well-known name from India’s 2007 T20 World Cup victory, has been a regular voice in IPL commentary for years. However, this time, his name is missing from the BCCI’s latest commentary list. Media reports hint that several Indian cricketers were unhappy with his style, claiming he brought personal judgments into his commentary, which didn’t sit well with them.
Some players reportedly felt his remarks were too biased or critical. For example, during the recent India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Irfan commented on Virat Kohli’s on-field behavior, saying he shouldn’t have acted a certain way after a shoulder clash controversy. Sources say this might have upset big names like Kohli, adding fuel to the complaints against him.
Another issue raised is Irfan’s attitude during player interviews. Reports suggest he showed frustration or arrogance while talking to certain cricketers in past IPL and international games. The BCCI, it seems, didn’t take this lightly and decided to drop him from the 2025 panel to keep the peace with players.
What Cricketers Might Be Behind This
Though no official names have been confirmed, speculation is rife about who complained. Many fans point to Virat Kohli due to Irfan’s comments during the Australia series. Others think Hardik Pandya could be involved, as Irfan once suggested Hardik should return to domestic cricket when not playing internationally—a statement that didn’t go down well with some.
There’s also talk of a bigger clash. One report claims a star player even blocked Irfan on their phone after hearing his commentary about them. This shows how deep the tension might run. Over the past two years, accusations of Irfan pushing a “personal agenda” against certain players have grown, and it seems the BCCI finally acted on it.
Who’s Replacing Irfan in the Commentary Box
The IPL 2025 commentary panel still boasts big names despite Irfan’s absence. Legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Navjot Singh Sidhu, and Anil Kumble are on the list, alongside former players like Virender Sehwag, Shikhar Dhawan, and Suresh Raina. International stars such as Shane Watson, AB de Villiers, and Michael Clarke will also join, ensuring fans still get expert insights.
Younger voices like Aakash Chopra, RP Singh, and Robin Uthappa are included too, keeping the mix fresh. Interestingly, even players like Kane Williamson, who went unsold in the IPL auction, have jumped into commentary. With such a strong lineup, the BCCI seems confident the show will go on smoothly without Irfan.
The decision has left fans divided. Some feel Irfan’s honest opinions added spice to the commentary, while others think his removal was fair if he crossed a line with players. Whatever the truth, this move shows how seriously the BCCI takes player feedback, even in the commentary box. This isn’t the first time Irfan’s faced trouble. He was reportedly dropped from the Champions Trophy panel earlier for similar reasons.
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