Hardik Pandya and K. L. Rahul, players of the Indian Cricket Team, are back in action. On the 24th of January, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) lifted the ban imposed on the two players and allowed them to play for India.
Hardik Pandya and K.L. Rahul were facing a ban and charges against them for their sexist and misogynistic remarks on a popular chat show, Koffee with Karan, hosted by Karan Johar. When Mr. Johar asked Mr. Pandya about his views about women in nightclubs, Pandya said, “I observe how they move. I’m little from the Black side so I need to see how they move (sic.)” He also shared some secrets about his sex life on the chat show. The remarks made by him were termed sexist, racist, and misogynistic and were supported by Rahul. Following this, both of them were banned from playing for the Indian Cricket Team.
Hardik Pandya will join the Indian Cricket Team for a 5 day One Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand, whereas K.L. Rahul will be a part of the India A squad against the England Lions. The senior members of the BCCI took the decision and issued a press release which states, “Since the adjudication of all allegations of misconduct against any cricketer registered with, inter alia, the BCCI is required to be undertaken by the BCCI Ombudsman, whose appointment is pending directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, the CoA is the of the view that the interim suspension orders dated 11.01.2019 should be presently lifted with immediate effect.” The release further states, “The above matter and decision has been taken with the concurrence of the Learned Amicus Curiae, Mr. P.S. Narasimha. In view of the above, the suspension orders dated 11.01.2019 is immediately lifted pending appointment and adjudication of the allegations by the BCCI Ombudsman.”
Pandya was immediately sent to New Zealand for the ODI series, whereas Rahul will play in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, to play the last 3 one day matches against the England Lions.
