Under fire for their controversial comments on the show ‘Koffee With Karan’, Indian cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul were handed suspensions by the BCCI “till a further course of action is decided for this misconduct”.
Both cricketers were made to return home from Australia for their statements, which have been called out for being misogynistic, sexist and racist.
Right from the day the show was broadcast, here’s a chronological low-down of everything that’s happened in the Pandya and Rahul-‘KWK’ controversy so far.
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24 January: Pandya to Join ODI Squad in NZ, Rahul Included in India A
Following the CoA’s decision to lift their bans, the BCCI announced that Indian cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul will soon be back in action.
Pandya has been included in India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series, while KL Rahul will be joining the India A squad that is playing England Lions in five one-dayers.
“Hardik Pandya will be sent to New Zealand to join the team at the earliest and KL Rahul will join the India A squad to play the last 3 one-day games against England Lions,” said BCCI in a press release.
24 January: Pandya & Rahul's Suspensions Lifted
The suspensions on Indian cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul were, on 24 January, lifted by the Committee of Administrators (CoA), meaning they can now be selected to play.
The CoA, after consulting new amicus curiae PS Narasimha, decided to lift the suspension, pending an inquiry for which an ombudsman is to be appointed by the Supreme Court. The apex court has listed the matter tentatively for 5 February.
Pandya is expected to take the earliest available flight to join the team in New Zealand for an ongoing limited-overs series, while Rahul might play in either the domestic circuit or show up for India A in the home series against England Lions, a BCCI source told PTI.
23 January: Karan Johar Finally Speaks
Sixteen days after a controversial episode of his chat show ‘Koffee With Karan’ featuring Indian cricketers KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya aired, director and producer Karan Johar said he “feels very responsible”.
Speaking about the debacle to Times Now, Karan Johar said, “I have to say that I feel very responsible because it was my show, it was my platform. I invited them as guests and so the ramifications and repercussion of the show are my responsibility. I have had so many sleepless nights, wondering about how I can undo this damage, who is going to listen to me? It’s now gone into a zone which is beyond my control.”
22 January: "Let’s Not Overreact," Says Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid has coached KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya when they played for India A and said there’s need to not overreact on this matter.
“It is not that players did not make mistakes in the past. It is not that mistakes will not be made in the future despite our best efforts to educate the youth. But let us not overreact please.”Rahul Dravid
Instead of urging for strict punishment, Dravid said there is a need for the system to educate players, all of whom don’t come from the same background. The former Indian skipper added that the players themselves also need to be more aware and learn from senior members of the dressing room.