Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has revealed the reason behind his exclusion from this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 commentary panel.

 

After retirement, the former player became a regular voice in Indian cricket commentary and was regarded as one of the most popular analysts. But fans were surprised when he was missing from the IPL 2024 commentary panel.

 

In a recent interview with Indian digital media, he finally revealed the name of the player whose objection kept him out of the commentary panel. The anchor expressed his 'Hardik ichha' to know about the issue. No player's name was taken but the hint was clear that the player in question was Hardik Pandya.  

 

🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨

Irfan Pathan confirmed that he was removed from commentary because he criticized Hardik Pandya and his fragile ego was hurt. pic.twitter.com/pwbWjnXi2t

— 𝐉𝐨𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐞 (@jod_insane) August 15, 2025

 

Pathan replied: "You expressed 'Hardik iccha' to know aboutt him.  There are 14 matches in IPL. If I have criticised 7 times, then I have gone soft 7 times. You (Hardik) have made a mistake 14 times, I have shown you seven times. This is our job."

 

He also made it clear that his criticism should not be mistaken for personal dislike. “As a broadcaster, it is my responsibility to analyze honestly. Criticism should never be taken as a personal grudge,” he added.

 

The former all-rounder stressed that he holds no personal enmity with Hardik. “I have always supported players, including Hardik and his brother Krunal Pandya,” Pathan said.

 

At the time, Indian media reported that broadcasters were unhappy with former players bringing personal grudges into commentary and social media, and that Pathan had issues with some cricketers, which he often hinted at in his analysis.