Was Irfan Pathan Removed From IPL Commentary Because Of Hardik Pandya? The Big Truth Has Come Out

Sports News: When former Team India player Irfan Pathan’s name was not included in the commentary panel of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, rumors spread that some cricketers were unhappy with Irfan. Among them, the names of Indian greats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli also came forward, but the truth was something else, and Irfan Pathan himself disclosed it during an interview. According to reports, because of Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya, Irfan Pathan did not get a chance to do commentary in IPL 2025. However, this could not be confirmed.

Reason Behind Commentary Panel Exit

According to reports, the story of removing Irfan Pathan from commentary this season begins in IPL 2024. When Rohit Sharma was removed and Hardik Pandya was made captain of Mumbai Indians, Hardik faced a lot of criticism. Mumbai Indians’ performance was not good that year.

During this time, Irfan Pathan criticized Hardik Pandya heavily. After that, Team India won the T20 World Cup title that year and Hardik’s fortune changed. Before the start of IPL 2025, Irfan Pathan was removed from the commentary panel, then news came that many players were not happy with Irfan. Hardik Pandya’s name was also included in this.

What Did Irfan Pathan Say?

During an interview, Irfan Pathan said in this matter that he never criticized Hardik Pandya. The former all-rounder said, “There are 14 matches in the IPL. Even if I criticize 7 of them, I am taking a soft approach. That means I kept a very light hand. You made mistakes 14 times, but I criticized only 7 times.

That’s our job.” He further said that during IPL 2024, I said live during a match, “Friend, you must criticize. If a player performs badly, you should say it.” During this, Ravi Shastri and Jatin Sapru were standing near me. I was asked about the atmosphere and criticism at that time. Irfan Pathan revealed that objectionable words were being used against Hardik Pandya, which he opposed.

We Supported Everyone

This former Indian cricketer said, “When you play cricket, criticism will definitely come. Even legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar were criticized. They never let anyone feel that they were bigger than the game, but I was against the abusive words used for Pandya.”

During the interview, Irfan was asked why everything is not fine between him and Hardik Pandya? To this, he replied, “There is nothing like that. We have no enmity. No player from Baroda can say that Irfan and Yusuf did not support them. Be it Deepak Hooda or Hardik and Krunal Pandya.”

That’s Why Hardik Pandya Plays For SRH

During the interview, Irfan Pathan said, “We have helped players at every level. I supported the talent of every player. A few years ago, even VVS Laxman said on Star Sports that he holds his ears for not listening to me in 2012. If he had listened, Hardik would have played for Sunrisers Hyderabad. During commentary, my role changes. As a commentator, my responsibility is not towards the players but towards the audience.”