Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul May Face Two-ODI Ban

Cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul may face two-ODI ban for their controversial remarks on women in a TV show as the Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai on Thursday recommended, but fellow COA member Diana Edulji, has however, referred the matter to the BCCI’s legal cell.

Pandya’s comments slammed as misogynistic and sexist, Drew plenty of flak from people on social media and administrators alike, prompting CoA to issue a show cause notice on Wednesday. The all arounder, in response, aforementioned he was sincerely regretful and wouldn't repeat the behavior.

“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 to go ahead,” Rai said.

On the show Koffee with Karan hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar, Pandya boasted about hooking up with multiple women and also how open he has been about it with his parents.

Rahul, the more restrained of the two on the show hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar, has not yet issued a statement to the social media storm. The two players were given 24 hours to explain themselves by the Board.

“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.

It is learned that Edulji has also sought the opinion of BCCI acting president CK Khanna, acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary and treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry on the issue.

"The players must be immediately suspended pending a proper inquiry and must be allowed to join the team (if selected) only once they have gone through a proper sensitization in addition to serving a ban if imposed upon them," he said.

"In any case, the entire team and support staff must go through a sensitization process. The CEO may join them in the sensitization as well as recommended by Ms. Veena Gowda, Advocate," he added.

Anirudh said there should also be an investigation into how the two players appeared on an entertainment show.