In a sensational claim that has sent shockwaves through the IPL community, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has slammed the functioning of certain franchise owners. Pathan, known for his straight-talking nature, stated that some IPL owners lack a fundamental understanding of the game, which often leads to poor decision-making and team instability.

Pathan’s frustration stems from his tenure with Punjab Kings (formerly Kings Eleven Punjab) between 2008 and 2010. During his three-year stint with the franchise, Pathan was a standout performer, clinical with both bat and ball. In 42 matches, he bagged 47 wickets and scored over 600 runs. Despite his individual success, the team struggled for consistency—a trend that continues to haunt the franchise to this day.

According to Pathan, the constant chopping and changing of captains and coaching staff is a direct result of owners prioritizing short-term results over long-term cricketing logic. His comments suggest that the “corporate” interference in “cricketing” matters often derails a team’s momentum.

This controversy surfaces just as Punjab prepares for its high-voltage clashes. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, Punjab is set to face Gujarat on March 31. This will be followed by a blockbuster encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Eden Gardens on Monday, April 6. While fans are excited to see Iyer’s tactical prowess on the field, Pathan’s remarks have certainly turned the spotlight on the boardrooms of IPL franchises.