BCCI sacks Irfan Pathan from IPL 2025 commentary team amid player backlash

Former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan has been sacked from the IPL 2025 commentary team following mounting complaints from players over his allegedly biased and critical commentary, Indian media reported citing sources. 

Sources said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to drop the former all-rounder after receiving repeated concerns that his commentary reflected personal opinions rather than objective analysis.

“It’s been happening for the last two years, where his personal biases were becoming evident,” said one insider. Criticism of Virat Kohli during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy reportedly angered the star batsman, while remarks about Hardik Pandya’s return to domestic cricket also sparked friction.

Further reports claimed that Pathan’s tone in interviews was seen as condescending by some players, reinforcing perceptions of a personal agenda. One player allegedly went as far as blocking Pathan’s number.

The decision was announced just as the 2025 IPL season opened on 22 March with a match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Kolkata. Pathan, a familiar voice in previous seasons, was absent from the updated commentary panel.