Irfan Pathan speaks out on IPL 2025 commentary snub, suggesting his critique of Rohit Sharma’s subpar Test form prompted the decision.
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Irfan Pathan Responds to IPL Commentary Snub, Defends Honest Analysis
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has finally spoken out about being excluded from commentary for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). Reports had claimed he was removed for “bringing personal grudges on-air” and allegedly targeting players he had fallen out with, with Rohit Sharma widely speculated to be among them. Pathan addressed the issue during a chat on Lallantop’s show Guest in the Newsroom.
Asked directly about the criticism that led to his snub, Pathan emphasized the role of a commentator in delivering honest insights for fans rather than protecting players. “Look, I believe that the job of commentators is to tell the story beyond what is visible, what is happening, why it is happening, and why it is happening. What can happen, why and how can it happen? This is the job of a commentator. If a player performs well, then praise him. If he cannot do so, then criticise him. The responsibility of the commentator is not for the player but for the fans,” he explained.
Irfan Pathan Clarifies Criticism of Rohit Sharma’s Test Performance
Veteran cricketer Irfan Pathan addressed his comments on Rohit Sharma’s struggles in Test cricket during the 2024/25 season, when the star batter scored just 164 runs across eight matches with only one fifty. Pathan emphasized that his intent was simply to share the truth with fans.
“Rohit Sharma is an amazing white-ball player. However, his average in Test cricket that year was 6. So we said that if Rohit was not the captain, he would not have got a place in the playing eleven,” he explained.
Earlier, Lallantop released a teaser of Pathan’s interview, in which he revealed how commentators were pressured to defend Rohit despite his below-par performance after the former India Test captain opted out of the Sydney Test against Australia. Pathan clarified that his remarks were a follow-up on his IPL commentary removal: “People say that we have supported Rohit over the top. Obviously, if anyone comes on your broadcasting channel, you will not misbehave with them. Like you have invited me, I have come, so you will show politeness. And you should show politeness. When Rohit also came, he was our guest. It was presented as if we are supporting him. But we were the ones who said that he does not deserve a place. However, this did not work. The interview thing was more talked about,” he said.
