Ex-India Star Irfan Pathan Reveals Owner-Coach Clashes Plagued Punjab Kings For Years

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shed light on internal issues within Punjab Kings, revealing that ownership conflicts and lack of coordination played a significant role in holding the team back over the years. His remarks have brought renewed attention to the franchise’s struggles despite occasional on-field success in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Pathan, who represented the team during its early years when it was known as Kings XI Punjab, said there were frequent clashes between team management and owners. He pointed out that differences between coaches and stakeholders—particularly those without a cricketing background—created challenges in decision-making, including matters related to team selection and strategy.

According to Pathan, while the owners initially appeared supportive, issues emerged internally due to poor coordination and communication. He suggested that such interference and structural inefficiencies affected the team’s consistency, preventing it from building long-term momentum in the tournament.

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Punjab Kings have had a mixed record in the IPL, reaching the final in 2025 but making the playoffs only a handful of times across nearly two decades. Pathan’s revelations highlight how off-field dynamics can influence performance, offering insight into why the franchise has struggled to establish itself as a consistent title contender despite having strong squads over the years.

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