COA Chief Rai Recommends 2-ODI Ban for Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul
COA has recommended a two-ODI ban on cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul for their comments on Koffee with Karan.
The Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai on Thursday, 10 January, recommended a two-ODI ban on India players Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul for their controversial comments on women in a TV show but fellow COA member Diana Edulji has referred the matter to the BCCI's legal cell.
Pandya's comments, slammed as misogynistic and sexist, drew a lot of flak from all corners, prompting CoA to issue a show cause notice on 9 January. The all-rounder, in response, said he was sincerely regretful and would not repeat the behaviour.
On the show, Pandya boasted about hooking up with multiple women and also how open he has been about it with his parents.
India are scheduled to start a three-match ODI series against Australia from Saturday, 12 January.
Rahul, the more restrained of the two in the show hosted by film-maker Karan Johar, has not yet reacted to the social media storm. The two players were given 24 hours to explain themselves by the BCCI.
"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 learnt that Edulji has also sought the opinion of BCCI acting president CK Khanna, acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary and treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry on the issue.
BCCI Treasurer Recommends Gender Sensitisation Programme
Responding to her query, Anirudh recommended a suspension for the two and a gender sensitisation programme for them. He also took a dig at BCCI CEO Rahul Johri, who was cleared of sexual harassment charges but advised to undergo gender sensitisation by an inquiry committee.
Anirudh said there should also be an investigation into how the two players appeared on an entertainment show.
"...the provisions of the earlier contracts and the practice in place would have required these contracted players to seek permission to appear on the show. Was such a permission sought? Was such a permission granted? If so, by whom?" he asked in his response to Edulji.
"...I question the situation where the sports journalists are kept at bay while access to the players is given to entertainment shows," he said referring to the provision of players needing the Board's approval for routine media interviews.
Anirudh said the loose talk on women could also make the two players susceptible to approaches by bookmakers through "honey-traps".
"...the comments such as the ones that have been made would definitely have painted a large, red target on the back of the players for potential recruiters for the organized syndicates who attempt to indulge in match–fixing across the globe," he said.
"The very first caution that the ICC Anti-Corruption officers give in briefing to the players is to beware of situations of honey traps and the comments made on the show make it seem that the players may just be ripe for the plucking," he added.
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