Irfan Pathan, the T20 World Cup-winning cricketer known for his articulate and insightful commentary, has finally addressed the circumstances surrounding his removal from the IPL 2025 commentary panel. His absence from the season’s opening match surprised fans, given his reputation as a sharp analyst across major broadcasting channels. Speaking publicly for the first time, Pathan emphasised that a commentator’s foremost responsibility is to serve the fans — by providing honest insights, explaining on-field action clearly, and offering genuine praise or criticism of players, regardless of their stature.
Pathan addressed earlier reports suggesting that he was sidelined due to alleged personal grudges aired on live television and social media. He refuted claims of bias, stressing that his critique of players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya was always based on performance and sporting merit. Reflecting on Kohli, Pathan highlighted his support during the star’s 2019-20 slump, noting that while he acknowledged Kohli’s past match-winning contributions, ongoing poor form over five years could not be overlooked.
Regarding Rohit Sharma, Pathan praised the captain’s brilliance in white-ball cricket but candidly stated that his poor Test form might have jeopardized his place in the team if he weren’t captain — comments some interpreted as unsupportive. On Hardik Pandya, Pathan clarified that his assessments were balanced, matching praise with criticism strictly based on on-field performance.
Pathan also addressed rumours of internal rivalry within the Baroda cricket circle, underlining his history of supporting fellow Baroda players, including facilitating sponsorships and professional opportunities. He reiterated that, while commentators must address shortcomings honestly, personal attacks or derogatory language are unacceptable.
Pathan’s candid reflections shed light on the pressures of sports broadcasting, where independent analysis often encounters resistance from vested interests and the influence of player PR machinery. His comments underscore the challenges commentators face in balancing honest critique with professional relationships, reinforcing his belief that fairness to fans should remain the guiding principle in sports commentary.