Irfan Pathan, a former Indian cricketer, is no longer a member of the IPL 2025 commentary panel owing to claims of bias toward certain players. Numerous players and officials have been watching Pathan’s off-the-air comments and social media engagements. Many of these remarks have been considered overly negative on specific individuals. 

This has been an issue since Pathan’s commentary during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy held in Australia, which, to many, had some of the more contentious opinions about some players. These issues then spilled over into formal complaints, which, in the end, got him dropped from the IPL broadcast team. 

🚨BREAKING NEWS ⚠️

IRFAN PATHAN BANNED FROM IPL COMMENTARY.

CURRENTLY HE IS NEGLECTED FROM IPL COMMENTARY CREW BECAUSE SOME OF THE PLAYERS AND STAR COMPLAINED ABOUT HIS PERSONAL BIASES NESS TOWARDS SOME CERTAIN PLAYERS. pic.twitter.com/0ZPNsCX7Cw

— SACHIN (@LeoChennaiIPL) March 26, 2025

Also Read: Aakash Chopra taunts Virat Kohli over ‘Personal Milestone’ comment

Pathan has sought to diverge from the main commentary platforms, and in this regard, on March 22, he opened a YouTube channel called “सीधी बात विद इरफान पठान,” where he intends to analyze various sports. His actions indicate determination to still reach out to cricket enthusiasts even after being sidelined from the mainstream media.

There is increasing concern over sports commentators and the need to be impartial, and this shows precisely how Pathan is still ‘remembered’ within the cricketing arena. Gone are the days when they weren’t bound by the rules and logic.

Also Read: SRH vs LSG : Weather and Pitch report

Pathan not being able to commentate on certain games showcases the need for zero bias treatment within sports commentary, drawing a line between personal opinions and professional commentary.

Legends Are Back! Indian Royals Announce Squad for Asian Legends League 2025

Cricket fans are in full josh because India's most loved Cricket players are coming up for the Asian Legends League 2025. The tournament will see big players like Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, and Irfan Pathan return to action for the Indian Royals.

The tournament organizers revealed a 17-man squad for the Indian Royals on social media. The Yusuf Pathan and Irfan Pathan participation will depend on their availability, while the other 15 players are confirmed for the tournament in 2025.

𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! 🔥

The MPMSC Asian Legends League T20 2025 is here, featuring some of the biggest names in cricket history! 🌟🏏

Which player are you excited to watch? 🤔

Stay tuned with @AsianLegendsT20 and @sportskeeda to catch all the… pic.twitter.com/xojyVFYisr

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) March 3, 2025

Indian Royals Announce Squad for Asian Legends League 2025: Indian Legends Are Back

The Asian Legends League 2025 will have five teams and they will play their games in Nathdwara from March 10 to 18 at the Madan Paliwal Miraj Sports Complex. The teams are Indian Royals, Sri Lankan Lions, Bangladesh Tigers, Afghanistan Pathans, and Asian Stars will fight for the cup.

Madan Lal Appointed as Indian Royals' Head Coach

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Asian Legends League T20 (@allt20.official)

Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has been appointed as the head coach of the Indian Royals. A key member of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, Madan Lal brings years of experience to the squad to win the cup. He will use his experience and give coaching for big players like Suresh Raina and Yusuf Pathan, who played key roles in India’s 2011 World Cup win, as well as Shikhar Dhawan and Irfan Pathan, who were part of India’s 2013 Champions Trophy-winning squad.

The Indian Royals will begin their first match against the Bangladesh Tigers on March 10 at 7 PM. Fans are excited to see legends back in action and will be hoping the Indian Royals can go all the way to win the title.

ALSO READ: Harbhajan Singh comments on Congress leader's controversial remark for Rohit Sharma

Indian Royals’ Squad for Asian Legends League 2025

 Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Naman Ojha, Ambati Rayudu, Manoj Tiwary, S Badrinath, Faiz Fazal, Manpreet Gony, Shreevats Goswami, Sudeep Tyagi, Munaf Patel, Shadab Jakati, Karanveer Singh, Barinder Sran and Anureet Singh.

In a high-pressure ICC Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium, Hardik Pandya made history with his outstanding bowling performance. After Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat, the Indian all-rounder made an impact by taking the key wickets of Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel, becoming the highest wicket-taker against Pakistan in ICC tournaments.

🚨 𝑴𝑰𝑳𝑬𝑺𝑻𝑶𝑵𝑬 🚨

Indian star all-rounder Hardik Pandya joins the 200 wickets club in International cricket 🇮🇳🤝

One of the top class all-rounder! 💙🔥#HardikPandya #India #Tests #ODIs #T20Is pic.twitter.com/CX9TfTKWDb

— Harkishan Mahedele (@mahedele20181) February 23, 2025

Hardik now has 15 wickets against Pakistan in ICC matches, Passing Mitchell Starc (11 wickets), Ashish Nehra (10 wickets), and Ravindra Jadeja (10 wickets). His ability to perform in big games against Pakistan has made him one of India’s most reliable players in ICC tournaments.

Most Wickets vs Pakistan in ICC Matches

Hardik Pandya - 15 wickets

 
Mitchell Starc - 11 wickets  

Ashish Nehra - 10 wickets  

Ravindra Jadeja - 10 wickets  

Irfan Pathan - 9 wickets

ALSO READ: Watch: Wasim Akram Showers Praise on India's Rising Star Abhishek Sharma in Dubai

Hardik Pandya Known for his aggressive bowling and ability to break partnerships in the tough times, Hardik has become India's go-to bowler in crucial matches. His 15 wickets in ICC tournaments show his consistency and success against Pakistan. With his all-round skills and calmness under pressure, Hardik remains a key player in India's ICC trophies.

Irfan Pathan, a surname that is every bit as related to passion and versatility in cricket as any, continues to generate buzz on and off the ground. In an amazing show of dedication, the former Indian all-rounder was seen plying his trade in the IMLT20 league yesterday and effortlessly changed gears into his role as a commentator in the high-glamour India vs. Pakistan game

Yesterday - Irfan Pathan played for India Masters in IMLT20 in Mumbai.

Today - Irfan Pathan is at Dubai for India vs Pakistan match.

The commitment for the Game by Irfan 👏 pic.twitter.com/aljNJkNH5p

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 23, 2025

ALSO SEE: Its India Vs Pakistan The Greatest Rivalry Of Cricketing Nations

A Life Devoted to Cricket
From swinging the ball with grace to offering insightful comments in the commentary box, Irfan Pathan's love for the sport never falters. His life has been nothing less than inspirational, proving that once a cricketer, always a cricketer.
At the IMLT20, he demonstrated that he is still capable and fit enough to play at the highest level. His comfort while shifting gears reveals how well he understands the game and how committed he is to entertaining everyone in every conceivable manner.
A Natural in the Commentary Box
As a pundit, Pathan can impart the same élan and technicality he employed on the field. Not merely technical and critical is his commentary, but interesting for fans young and old to listen to as well. From discussing tactics or sharing inside gossip of his playing days, he is capable of lending invaluable knowledge to the viewer's experience in watching cricket.
The Dual Role: A Rare Feat
Few cricketers have managed to juggle active cricketing with a glamorous media career. Irfan Pathan's ability to do so is an indication of his versatility and passion for the game. His career reminds us of other legends who have made a smooth transition from playing to commentating, and he is that much of a cricketing all-rounder.
A Fan Favorite
Whether it is taking wickets, hitting boundaries, or offering expert commentary, Irfan Pathan is a fan favorite. His recent performances in IMLT20 and the India-Pakistan commentary panel have only enhanced his image as a cricketing great.

At the post-match conference, team India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, made it clear that the team's performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy wasn't great because the players weren't participating enough in domestic cricket. Irfan Pathan, who also played cricket in the past, agreed with him. Mr Pathan made an important point about how India shouldn't simply focus on having superstar players but instead work on building a strong team atmosphere.

In addition, he brought up Virat Kohli, questioning when was the last time he played in domestic cricket, to highlight that every player, no matter how famous, needs to play at the domestic level too.

Gautam Gambhir, the head coach, was really unhappy after India didn't do well in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Mr. Gambhir made it extremely unmistakeable how much he thinks domestic cricket matters. Mr. Gambhir said that everyone who can and really cares about red-ball cricket should be hitting the domestic cricket scene. Not only showing up for a single game--but genuinely playing it.

Mr. Gambhir put it straight, saying if you don't take domestic cricket seriously you're not going to end up with players who've honed what it takes for Test cricket. That's how crucial he thinks playing at home is.

Gambhir was pretty cautious when someone asked him what he thought might happen to major names in Indian cricket, like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, in the future. I can't speak about their future it's to them but what I can say is that they still have the hunger and passion. They are tough individuals, and I hope they continue to carry Indian cricket forward.

Ultimately, whatever they decide will be in the best interest of Indian cricket, he carefully mentioned. This was right after India didn't win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, something that hadn't happened for the first time in more than ten years. Gambhir called out the senior players because they've been skipping domestic games for a while now.

During a discussion on a post

What happens in the dressing room, should stay in the dressing room!

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 1, 2025

Pathan said that even Sachin Tendulkar, who everyone knows is a legendary player, always made sure he played in local matches to stay fit and keep practicing. He pointed out that sometimes, Tendulkar's first-innings average was below 30, but he thought this was crucial for starting the match correctly. Then Pathan threw out a question, asking if India should institute a prize for it.

He further remarked that if a young player were given as many chances as some of the senior players, they could at least match or exceed similar performances. Pathan concluded by acknowledging Virat Kohli's many contributions to Indian cricket but expressed his disappointment at the repeated mistakes and dismissals, noting that it was disheartening to see such errors continue despite his past success.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow CRICKET WINNER.

ALSO READ:Sunil Gavaskar was not invited by Cricket Australia to the award ceremony of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Irfan Pathan Expresses Disappointment with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has been outspoken about his thoughts on the performances of key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in recent matches, especially in the Test series against Australia. Pathan highlighted that these players failed to meet the expectations placed on them, especially during crucial moments in the series. He mentioned how their underwhelming performances had an impact on the team's overall results, reflecting his concern about their form.

“A player who has made about 20,000 runs—yet the way Rohit is struggling now, it seems his form is not supporting him at all. What’s happening now is that he is the captain, so he is playing. If he were not the captain, he might not be playing right now. You would have had a set team. K.L. Rahul would have been playing at the top. Jaiswal would have been there. Shubman Gill would have been there. If we talk about reality, considering how he is struggling with the bat, there might not have been a place for him in the playing XI.”

Irfan Pathan’s candid opinion on Rohit Sharma’s recent form in Test cricket.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/jn0R9wuz77

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) December 30, 2024

Controversial Debate Between Pathan and Manjrekar

Irfan Pathan was also involved in a heated discussion with fellow cricket analyst Sanjay Manjrekar regarding a controversial run-out involving Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The two former cricketers had a difference of opinion, which escalated into a heated argument during their debate on air. This incident drew attention, as both analysts are known for their candid commentary, but this spat reflected deeper frustrations about team selections and on-field decisions.

Comments on Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma's Leadership

In a separate conversation, Pathan expressed dissatisfaction with Hardik Pandya’s performances, along with remarks on Rohit Sharma's leadership. He discussed the challenges of managing expectations when captains and key players fail to perform in critical situations. Though Pathan has always been a strong advocate for Indian cricket, his comments reflected a sense of frustration with the state of affairs in the team, particularly regarding leadership and individual performances.

These instances illustrate Pathan's direct approach when analyzing Indian cricket, showing his willingness to speak his mind about players and leadership without hesitation.

If you're looking for more detailed information, I would recommend checking major sports news outlets like Business Standard, Republic World, or other cricket-specific platforms where these discussions have been elaborated in articles.

Irfan Pathan-led Mumbai Mariners lifted the inaugural Big Cricket League trophy after beating Suresh Raina-led Southern Spartans in the high-scoring final of the Big Cricket League 2024 last Sunday. After winning the trophy, the Mariners leader recreated Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s T20 World Cup-winning celebration moment.

After Mariners captain Irfan Pathan chose to field first, Spartans scored 210/6 in 20 overs with the help of the opener Phil Mustard and skipper Suresh Raina’s half-centuries. Mariners chased down the target in 19.1 overs after losing three wickets. While Jesal Karia and Manan Sharma set up the tone in the chasing after both the openers’ cheap dismissals, skipper Irfan Pathan successfully guided the team to victory with the Player of the Match Manan Sharma. 

Southern Spartans set up a strong total

After the opener Solomon Mire was dismissed for seven runs, English cricketer Mustard and former Indian star Suresh Raina had an incredible partnership of 119 runs from 53 balls for the second wicket. While Raina was dismissed for 51 off 26 balls with nine fours and one six, Mustard scored 78 off 39 balls with 10 fours and four sixes before Manan Sharma caught and bowled him. 

Also, Faiz Fazal scored 30 off 19 balls with the help of three fours and one six, and Abhimanyu Mithun scored 25 off 22 balls with two sixes. While Manan Sharma ended with the bowling figures of 4-0-50-1, Shivam Kumar (2/37) and Manpreet Gony (2/40) picked up two wickets each. 

See Also: PCB confirms neutral venue for Indo-Pak clash

Mumbai Mariners successfully chased the target

In reply, openers Mihir Agarwal (2) and Sri Lankan Malinda Pushpakumara (13) were dismissed cheaply, but Jesal Karia and Manan Sharma controlled the game with a 93-run partnership for the third wicket. After Karia was dismissed for 75 off 39 balls (13 fours and one six), Manan and Irfan Pathan maintained the game in their favour with another 85-run partnership for the unbroken fourth wicket. While Manan scored 89 not out off 42 balls with seven fours and six sixes, skipper Irfan scored 27 not out off 18 balls with two fours and one six. 

During the title-winning moment, Irfan Pathan recreated Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s walking celebration during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 title-winning moment. 

.@ImRo45 Taking A Page Out Of My Playbook! WOOOOO! pic.twitter.com/gRMrPermGb

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) June 30, 2024

Irfan Pathan’s Mumbai Mariners crowned the first-ever Big Cricket League champions! 🏆🔥

Watch the #BCL Final, highlights on #SonyLIV 📲 pic.twitter.com/FCcPQHuPff

— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) December 23, 2024

In comparison to batters and bowlers, India has produced a relatively scarce number of quality all-rounders. Top-order batters and spin spinners have always dominated the cricketing landscape. However, the few all-rounders that have emerged are not just numbers but remarkable talents on the world stage.

These Indian all-rounders have consistently showcased their versatility with both bat and ball, winning matches single-handedly, inspiring their teammates, and setting a benchmark for aspiring young cricketers. Here's a writeup to the top 5 Indian all-rounders who have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket history.  

Kapil Dev

It's no surprise to find Kapil Dev topping the given list. Kapil Dev, an embodiment of raw spirit and grit, has the potential to be remembered as one of India's best athletes. He bowls for extraordinarily lengthy durations that modern bowlers could never imagine, and he has never missed a match due to fitness difficulties. The former captain is India's third-highest wicket-taker in Tests.

But, above all, the 1983 World Cup win was the catalyst for the halo around him. His incredible catch to eliminate Viv Richards in the World Cup final may have been the turning point in the West Indies' dominance. In 382 international cricket matches, he has scored a colossal 9031 runs and 687 wickets. 

Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin's career has been a rollercoaster, but it has significantly influenced his arsenal. He replaced Harbhajan Singh on the Indian team and shattered several test records. Ashwin, a street-smart cricketer, used several variations to confuse batters across forms.

Even though he was one of the players who lost his spot in the ODI and T20 teams owing to India's glut of spinners, no one could match his test supremacy. With cautious knocks and daring ramp shots, Ashwin is one of India's top all-rounders. He has scored 4302 runs and taken 744 wickets in his current international spell across all formats.

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja completely transformed the fielding aspect of the game, including his all-round ability. Jadeja failed to gain a position on the Indian side despite playing as Virat Kohli's vice-captain in the Under-19 World Cup. Jadeja is still evolving as a limited-overs all-rounder, but his combination with Ravichandran Ashwin is lethal in Test cricket. Jadeja is now a match-winning batsman, ball player, and fielder.

India cannot omit him from any of their teams. With his recent retirement from the T20I side, his fundamental contributions in the ODI and Test formats will be crucial for the Indian team in the coming days. In his international career, he has made 6393 runs and scalped 568 matches in 279 matches.

Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja Entertain Once More at Chepauk

Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan was hyped as the future Kapil Dev during his early career. A great left-arm bowling all-rounder with the ability to swing the ball both ways joined the Indian team and immediately made an impression. He became the first Indian bowler to achieve a test hat-trick in the opening three deliveries of a test match.

After demonstrating his ability to knock rapid boundaries late in the innings, he was an easy pick to play for India in the 2007 T20 World Cup, when he was named Man of the Match in the final. In his 141-match career, he scored 2821 runs and scalped 301 wickets. 

Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri is a complete all-rounder both on and off the pitch. In some ways, he revolutionised the game by going against the tide. While batters began scoring runs more quickly, his defensive tactics, such as his ability to play long innings and tire out the opposition and subsequent high scores against formidable opponents, greatly benefited him.

He was a right-handed batsman who bowled left-arm orthodox, an unusual breed of player. But at times, Ravi Shastri became so vicious that he blasted six sixes in one over. His excellent statistics of 3830 runs with 151 wickets in test cricket and 3108 runs with 129 wickets in one-day internationals speak for themselves. Adding cherry on the top, he is also excellent at coaching and commenting.

In an exhilarating finale at Edgbaston, Birmingham, the India Champions triumphed over the Pakistan Champions in a one-sided affair during the World Championship of Legends (WCL) final. This much-anticipated clash brought together cricket legends from both sides, culminating in a victory for the Indian team led by the dynamic Yuvraj Singh.

WCL 2024 winning moments

In a heartfelt video, Irfan Pathan credited Yuvraj Singh for his leadership. Pathan highlighted how Yuvraj’s strategic decisions and team management led them to victory. The comments from other players and cricketing experts echoed similar sentiments, praising Yuvraj’s captaincy and the team’s overall performance.

See Also: Yuvraj Singh reveals his all-time XI – No spot for MS Dhoni!

In a video uploaded by Irfan Pathan on social media handles, he said, “Yuvraj Singh brought this team together. He clearly told me that he did not want me to bowl in the tournament. In fact, he wanted to see sixes with my bat. However, today they bowled me 3 overs.”

Match overview

Pakistan Champions’ captain Younis Khan won the toss and chose to bat first, hoping to set a challenging target for the Indian team. On the other hand, India’s strategy revolved around a disciplined bowling attack, aiming to restrict Pakistan to a manageable score.

First Innings: Pakistan champions batting

The innings started with a setback for Pakistan as opener Sharjeel Khan was dismissed for 12 runs off 10 balls by Anureet Singh at the end of the second over. This early wicket put pressure on the Pakistani side, which was somewhat alleviated by a promising partnership between Kamran Akmal and Sohaib Maqsood.

Despite the promising start, Pakistan’s innings faced hurdles as Vinay Kumar dismissed Sohaib Maqsood on the last ball of the fifth over. This wicket marked the beginning of a series of consistent losses for Pakistan, preventing them from gaining significant momentum.

Sohail Tanvir’s late efforts provided some respite for the Pakistan Champions. His aggressive batting helped push the total to a respectable 156 for 6. Tanvir’s contribution was crucial in ensuring Pakistan had a fighting chance.

Anureet Singh was the standout bowler for India, taking 3 wickets for 43 runs in his 4 overs. His performance was instrumental in disrupting Pakistan’s batting lineup.

Second Innings: India champions chase

Chasing 157, the India Champions got off to a steady start. The openers laid a solid foundation, which was built upon by Ambati Rayudu and Yusuf Pathan. Their contributions ensured that India remained on track during the chase.

Yuvraj Singh’s leadership was pivotal. His batting was a blend of caution and aggression, guiding the team through crucial phases of the match. Yuvraj’s strategic approach and timely boundaries kept the required run rate within reach.

Irfan Pathan, known for his all-round abilities, played an unexpected role by bowling three overs despite being primarily included for his batting prowess. His contribution with the ball added an extra edge to India’s performance.

The match concluded with India Champions comfortably reaching the target, lifting the prized WCL trophy. The final moments saw the team celebrating their hard-fought victory, with fans and players rejoicing in unison.

In a nail-biting final match of the World Championship of Legends on July 13, 2024, between India Champions and Pakistan Champions, India Champions secured a comfortable victory. Chasing Pakistan’s total of 156/6, India put on a stellar show, where Ambati Rayudu scored a quick 50 and Yusuf Pathan also played an explosive knock.

With Yuvraj Singh’s brilliant captaincy, India reached their target, finishing with a score of 159/5 in 19.1 overs, winning the match by 5 wickets with 5 balls in hand as well. Irfan Pathan was on strike in the final over when he hit a four to help India reach the target and win the trophy of the WCL 2024. He straight went to hug the India Champions captain Yuvraj Singh as they beat Pakistan convincingly.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan’s captain, Younis Khan, helped his side to post a decent 156/6 in their allotted 20 overs. India responded well where Ambati Rayudu scored a crucial 50 runs off just 30 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes while opening the chase with Robin Uthappa.

SEE ALSO: ‘It’s coming home’ – Team India to reach New Delhi on Thursday

Ambati Rayudu scores a quick fifty

Their onslaught against the Pakistani bowlers during the powerplay helped India to start well. Rayudu struck Aamer Yameen for a maximum in the first over and a boundary to set the platform. Uthappa also kept attacking in the next over, striking Yameen for two fours as well but he couldn’t score much as the same bowler quickly dismissed him. Arriving in third, Suresh Raina also hit a boundary on his second ball but was caught by Sohail Tanvir soon after, leaving India at 38/2.

Then Ambati Rayudu steadied the ship and added a vital 60-run partnership with Gurkeerat Singh Mann. Reaching his fifty, Rayudu positioned India strongly at 98/2 following 11 overs as well. Pakistan bounced back, though, dismissing Mann (34 off 33) and Rayudu (50 off 30) inside ten balls as well.

However, Yusuf Pathan and Yuvraj Singh added 42 runs as well. While Yuvraj (15* off 22) played the anchor’s role, Pathan’s quickfire 30 off 16 balls put India in a strong position. Meanwhile, Pathan was dismissed in the last over, caught by Shoaib Maqsood for a six, leaving India short of 7 runs to win from the last 10 balls. Then Irfan Pathan sealed the win by striking a boundary on the first ball of the last over as well.