Rai recommends 2-ODI ban for Pandya, Rahul
NEW DELHI: The Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai Thursday 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 referred the matter to the BCCI's legal cell.
If the ban is imposed, the duo could miss the first two matches of a three-ODI series against Australia starting Saturday in Sydney.
"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," Rai said.
Pandya's comments on 'Koffee with Karan' were slammed as misogynistic and sexist, prompting the CoA to issue a show cause notice on Wednesday. The all-rounder, in response, said he was sincerely regretful and would not repeat the behaviour.
On the show, he had 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 during the interview 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, a decision will be taken once she gives her nod. The comments were crass, in bad taste and unacceptable," Rai said.
Edulji also sought the opinion of BCCI acting president CK Khanna, acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary and treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry on the issue.
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," he said.
"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 Veena Gowda, Advocate," he added.
With PTI inputs
