BCCI CoA chief Vinod Rai has recommended that India cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul serve a two-match ODI ban before they are available for selection. This comes after their sexist remarks on a popular chat show that got BCCI to issue a show-cause notice to the cricketers. CoA member Diana Edulji also recommended that ban is imposed as she felt just an apology is not good enough. “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,” said Rai to PTI.
“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 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 told the news agency.
“I made an appearance on the chat show where I have made certain statements without realising that these could be disrespectful and offend sensitivities of viewers for which I am sincerely regretful,” stated Pandya’s response, as quoted by PTI, who possess a copy of his response.
“I would like to assure you that there was no malice or any sort of ill-intent on my part to offend anyone or portray any section of the society in bad light,” he added.
NEWS: BCCI announces fixtures for home season against Australia
Full details here —–> https://t.co/lk6ytRpbv3 pic.twitter.com/vStNMGRGfV
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 10, 2019
“I made these statements in the flow of the show and had not comprehended the extent to which my statements would be found offensive. Rest assured, I hold the BCCI in highest regard and will exercise complete discretion and prudence to ensure that such incidents are never repeated in future. Upon realisation of my mistake I have also issued a public apology on my official social media handles this morning, prior to receiving the Notice,” he concluded.
