ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

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.

Updated
Cricket
3 min read
story-hero-img
i
Aa
Aa
Small
Aa
Medium
Aa
Large
Hindi Female

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.

“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.”
Vinod Rai
ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

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.

0

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.

“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 sensitisation in addition to serving a ban, if imposed upon them. In any case the entire team and support staff must go through a sensitisation process. The CEO may join them in the sensitisation as well as recommended by Ms. Veena Gowda, Advocate.”
Anirudh Chaudhry, BCCI Treasurer

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.

ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

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.

(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)

Read Latest News and Breaking News at The Quint, browse for more from sports and cricket

Topics:  Hardik Pandya 

Published: 
Speaking truth to power requires allies like you.
Become a Member
3 months
12 months
12 months
Check Member Benefits
Read More
×
×