Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has finally addressed rumours about his removal from the IPL 2025 commentary panel. In an interview with TheLallantop, Pathan suggested his remarks on Hardik Pandya during the Mumbai Indians captain’s first season could have played a role in his exit.
Professional Criticism, Not Personal Bias
Pathan stressed his analysis is based purely on cricketing merit. “If I’m criticising you in 7 matches out of 14, I’m still being lenient. That is our job as broadcasters,” he said when asked about the player allegedly involved.
No Rivalry With Baroda Cricketers
Dismissing any claims of personal issues, Pathan said he has always backed players from Baroda, including Pandya. “There is no rivalry. All the Baroda players who have come after me, Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya or Hardik Pandya, none of them can say that Irfan-Yusuf did not help them,” he added, highlighting his and his brother Yusuf’s support in mentoring and arranging sponsorships.
Early Support for Hardik Pandya
Pathan recalled recommending a young Hardik Pandya to Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2012. “VVS Laxman admitted on Star Sports, that he was at fault for not listening to me, and not picking Hardik in 2012. If he had picked him then, Hardik would have played for Hyderabad,” he revealed.
Defending Pandya During Fan Backlash
The former all-rounder also noted that he defended Pandya during the 2024 IPL season, when the player faced hostility from Mumbai Indians fans after replacing Rohit Sharma as captain. “There is nothing wrong in criticising the player, if you play, you have to go through that. It happened with Sunil Gavaskar, the great Sachin Tendulkar… they never made anyone feel, they were bigger than the game. But I’m against the derogatory words used against Pandya,” Pathan clarified.
Pathan reiterated that his role as a broadcaster is to offer honest analysis, focusing on the game rather than the individual.
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