FOR ‘CRASS’ TV TALK, RAI FOR TWO-ODI BAN ON PANDYA, RAHUL
NEW DELHI: Hardik Pandya and Lokesh Rahul are almost certain to miss the first two ODIS versus Australia after Vinod Rai, the chairman of the Supreme Courtappointed Committee of Administrators, recommended a twomatch ban on them for inappropriate comments on a TV show. The first of the three ODIS will be played in Sydney on Saturday.
While Rai was clear with his verdict, the second member of the COA, Diana Edulji, referred it to the BCCI’S legal cell and sought opinion from BCCI’S acting officebearers. On Wednesday, Pandya and Rahul were asked to explain ‘sexist’ comments made on a TV chat show despite the Baroda allrounder apologising for the remarks that sparked social media outrage. Pandya said he “got a bit carried away” as he explained his bragging about his prowess with women on the show that aired Sunday. Rai was “not impressed” with the explanation given by the players.
“As far as I am concerned, the comments were crass, in bad taste and unacceptable,” Rai said.
The show, hosted by producer and director Karan Johar, encourages guests to open up on personal matters. Pandya boasted about his success with multiple women. “I like to watch and observe how they move,” he said adding how he paid particular attention to “the backside”. Pandya also said he had boasted to his parents after losing his virginity. He was quickly slammed for his views on women.
BCCI treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry recommended suspension and a gender sensitisation programme for the players, reports PTI. “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.
Contracted players like Pandya and Rahul are bound by BCCI’S strict code of conduct, especially on media interactions.
“...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.