Overview:
Pathan also highlighted moments when he defended Hardik.
Irfan Pathan has broken his silence on his removal from the IPL 2025 commentary team. Pathan hinted that his exit might be due to his criticism of Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya.
Pathan said that he is not biased. “I am being lenient if I am questioning your performance in 7 out of 14 matches,” Pathan said on the Lallantop.
Pathan stressed that he has supported players from Baroda, including Hardik Pandya. “There is no rivalry. Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya and Hardik Pandya can’t say that Irfan-Yusuf didn’t help them. We arranged sponsorships for them and even recommended the players,” he added.
Irfan recalled a moment when he suggested Hardik Pandya’s name to Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2012.
“VVS Laxman admitted that he made a mistake by not listening to me and not picking Hardik in 2012. Hardik would have been playing for Sunrisers had he picked him then,” Pathan revealed.
Pathan also highlighted moments when he defended Hardik. “There is nothing wrong if you criticise a player. If you are playing cricket, you have to face it. It happened with Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar. They never made any feel that they were above the game. I am against the derogatory words used against Hardik,” he concluded.