‘Sexist Comments’: Ban Spectre Looms Over Hardik Pandhya, K L Rahul

Mumbai: After Twitter backlash and BBCI notice, Committee of Administrators (CoA) chief Vinod Rai on Thursday recommended a two-ODI ban on Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul for ‘sexist’ remarks on Koffee with Karan show.

Pandya drew flak from all quarters and his comments were termed as misogynistic and sexist. He along with Rahul were served show-cause notice by the BCCI on Wednesday. Pandya, in reply to the notice, regretted his behavior, but the response has not gone down well with the CoA chief.

“I am not convinced with Hardik’s explanation and I have recommended a two-match ban for both players. CoA member Diana Edulji has sought legal opinion on 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 PTI.

At the show hosted by film-maker Karan Johar, KL Rahul chose his words carefully unlike Hardik, who boasted about hooking up with multiple women and also how open he has been about it with his parents.

After the Twitter backlash, Pandya apologised for his comments stating that he ‘got a bit carried away with the nature of the show’.

India are scheduled to start a three-match ODI series against Australia from Saturday.