Hardik, Rahul in trouble for remarks on TV show

MUMBAI:THREE days after Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya’s comments on a television chat show sparked outrage on social media, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sent show cause notices to Pandya and batsman KL Rahul, asking them to explain their behaviour on the show.

Pandya and Rahul had been guests on a pre-recorded episode of Koffee with Karan, during which Pandya supplied descriptions of his prowess with women. Both cricketers are currently on India’s tour of Australia.

The episode featuring the duo was telecast on January 6 and subsequently, Pandya in particular was called out on social media for his crass and misogynist comments.

On Wednesday morning, Pandya tweeted an apology saying he’d reflected on his comments and felt he’d got “a bit carried away with the nature of the show”.

Hours later, the BCCI sent show cause notices to Pandya and Rahul. “We have sent show cause notices to Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul for their comments,” BCCI administrator Vinod Rai told PTI. Rai added, “They have been given 24 hours to give an explanation.”

While Pandya’s comments on the chat show were tasteless, the question is whether they require an intervention from the BCCI.

Pandya and Rahul are among BCCI’S contracted players and bound by a strict code of conduct that includes how they handle their media commitments on and off the field.

“It is time the BCCI decides to take corrective steps for cricketers who talk rubbish on public platforms. Pandya was a disgrace to the cricket community … he has insulted women and also made a racist remark,” tweeted BCCI’S former GM (administration) Ratnakar Shetty.

After receiving the show cause notice, Pandya issued a statement expressing regret and said 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”.

“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,” Pandya said in his statement.

Speaking to PTI after Pandya released his apology, Rai said, “I will have to check their explanations. At this point, I cannot commit what action will be taken.”

I got a bit carried away with the nature of the show. In no way did I mean to disrespect or hurt anyone’s sentiments. HARDIK PANDYA, in Twitter post