IPL 2025: Irfan Pathan slapped with ban over comments on Virat Kohli?

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan’s exclusion from the IPL 2025 commentary roster has sparked speculation, with reports linking his removal to critical remarks about players, including Virat Kohli.

Pathan, a regular in both Hindi and English broadcasts since retiring in 2020, was notably absent from the broadcaster’s announced panel this season.

Meanwhile, several users on X allege complaints were lodged over his ‘sharp criticism’ of key players, though the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not officially confirmed the reasons.

The Viral Critique: Kohli’s Technique Under Fire

A resurfaced video from India’s 2020-21 Australia tour shows Pathan dissecting Kohli’s technical struggles, particularly his dismissals outside off-stump.

This was the commentary that made Irfan to leave the Star Sports commentator pannel.

But whatever he spoke was absolutely 100% correct.#IrfanPathan #StarSports #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/xqL4giGL2k

— Dinesh Kumar (@socialist_dky) March 24, 2025

While legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Sanjay Manjrekar echoed similar critiques, fans argue Pathan’s analysis was routine. Social media users, however, claim the clip triggered his removal.

Behind the Scenes: Grudges and Crossfire

Online fan accounts cited Pathan’s ‘aggressive references’ to past player feuds, accusing him of veiled social media jabs. Further, Pathan’s YouTube channel, Seedhi Baat With Irfan Pathan, which offers unfiltered match analysis, may have further strained relationships, though his critiques rarely targeted personal lives.

Precedent Set: A History of Commentary Controversies

This incident mirrors past IPL controversies. In 2016, veteran Harsha Bhogle was abruptly axed despite his iconic status. Similarly, Sanjay Manjrekar faced a 2020 ban after clashing with Ravindra Jadeja, whom he labeled a “bits and pieces” cricketer.