Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has been left out of the commentary team for IPL 2025. A regular voice in previous seasons, Pathan was missing during the season opener between KKR and RCB, sparking speculation.

According to Times of India, broadcasters excluded Pathan due to concerns about his on-air remarks and social media activity. Reports suggest he had past conflicts with certain players and subtly targeted them, affecting younger cricketers caught in the dispute.

In response, Pathan launched his YouTube channel Seedhi Baat With Irfan Pathan on March 22, where he plans to provide cricket insights.

This isn’t the first high-profile commentary exit. In 2020, Sanjay Manjrekar was dropped over his controversial “bits and pieces” comment on Ravindra Jadeja. Similarly, Harsha Bhogle was removed from IPL commentary in 2016, reportedly over player complaints.

Pathan has yet to comment publicly on the matter, but his absence has ignited debate over free speech versus professionalism in sports broadcasting.