In a move that could spell trouble for cricketers, Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) headed by Vinod Rai on Thursday recommended a two-ODI ban for both the players for their controversial comments on women in a popular celebrity chat show.
Fellow CoA member Diana Edulji, however, referred the matter to the legal cell of the BCCI. CoA is a part of the Board of Cricket Control of India.
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Pandya and Rahul have been in the line of fire ever since the episode of the popular TV talk show ‘Koffee with Karan’ featuring the two was aired on Sunday. Pandya was accused of making ‘misogynistic’ and ‘sexist’ comments during his appearance on the TV show.
The CoA had issued a show cause notice to both Pandya and Rahul seeking their responses in the matter.
Pandya tried to douse the fire by first apologising on social media and then telling the BCCI that was sincerely regretful for making those comments and would not repeat the behaviour, as a part of his reply to the notice.
“I am not convinced with Hardik’s explanation and I have recommended a two-match ban for both players. However the final decision will be taken once Diana gives her go ahead,” Rai told PTI.
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“Diana has sought legal opinion whether the duo can be banned. So, obviously, a decision will be taken once she gives her nod. As far as I am concerned, the comments were crass, in bad taste and unacceptable,” Rai said.
Edulji has also sought the opinion of BCCI acting president CK Khanna, acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary and treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry on the issue.
Harsha Bhogle, a cricket commentator and journalist said “It is all very well to issue show-cause notices now to KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya. But I do wish the BCCI spends time in sensitising these young players to life beyond the dressing room; to getting them outside the bubble that is inevitable given the adulation they get.”