Each for making sexist comments

Pandya And Rahul fined `20 lakh

NEW DELHI: Hardik Pandya and K L Rahul were on Saturday fined Rs 20 lakh each by the BCCI Ombudsman D K Jain for their sexist comments on a popular TV show, ending an infamous saga that dented the reputation of the two India cricketers. In the order published on the official BCCI website, Jain wrote that no further action will be taken against Pandya and Rahul, who had missed five ODIS while serving their provisional suspension, and tendered an unconditional apology for making loose comments on women.

Instead, he directed the World Cup-bound players to pay a fine of Rs 20 lakh each that included a payment of Rs 1 lakh each to “each of the most deserving widows of 10 constables in para-military forces who have lost their lives while on duty, through ‘Bharat Ke Veer App”.

Jain also instructed them to deposit Rs 10 lakh each in the fund “created by the Cricket Association for the blind”.

All payments are to be made within four weeks from the date of the order — April 19, 2019 — failing which “the BCCI may deduct the amount from their match fees”.

“I have no hesitation in observing that the remarks made by the player, even by his own admissions, did offend sensitivities, which ought to have been avoided. Hence, he must make amends,” Jain stated in the order. “Taking into consideration all these aspects, in particular the fact that the player has tendered an apology for the incident without seeking to justify his action, has acknowledged his duty to the society and expressed his willingness to hold himself to the higher standards expected of him and has missed five ODIS, in the interest of justice and fair play, (the fine) would suffice.” Pandya, 25, and Rahul, 27, deposed before the Supreme Court-appointed Ombudsman earlier this month and were awaiting their fate even after being named in India’s WC squad on Monday.