Irfan Pathan opened up about his relationship with Hardik Pandya, addressing rumors that tensions existed between them.
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Irfan Pathan Breaks Silence on IPL 2025 Commentary Exit
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has finally addressed the speculation surrounding his departure from the IPL 2025 broadcast panel. In an interview with TheLallantop, Pathan suggested that his exit might have been linked to his criticism of India all-rounder Hardik Pandya, likely during Hardik’s first season as Mumbai Indians captain.
Irfan Pathan emphasized that his commentary is professional, not personal. “If I’m criticising you in 7 matches out of 14, I’m still being lenient. That is our job as broadcasters,” he explained when asked about the player who may have influenced his IPL exit.
For Pathan, constructive analysis is central to his role, and he rejected any claims of personal grudges. He highlighted his history of supporting players from Baroda, including Hardik. “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 said, noting the guidance he and his brother Yusuf have provided over the years, including assistance with sponsorships and recommendations.
Reflecting on a pivotal moment from over a decade ago, Pathan recalled trying to open doors for a young Hardik Pandya. In 2012, he recommended the budding all-rounder to Sunrisers Hyderabad, only to see the opportunity slip away. “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,” Pathan revealed.
Pathan on defending Hardik
Pathan also recalled instances where he publicly supported Hardik Pandya, especially during the backlash from Mumbai Indians fans in 2024, after Rohit Sharma was removed as captain and Pandya faced hostility. He emphasized that his commentary always targets the game, not the individual. “There is nothing wrong in criticising the player; if you play, you have to face that. It happened with Sunil Gavaskar, the great Sachin Tendulkar… they never made anyone feel small, they were bigger than the game. But I’m against the derogatory words used against Pandya,” Pathan clarified.
