BCCI considers two-match ban on Hardik Pandya

The Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) in India is contemplating laying down a two-match ban on Hardik Pandya, after sexist comments he made on television show ‘Koffee With Karan’.

Pandya, who appeared on the show with fellow cricketer, KL Rahul, have been accused of “crass” and “misogynistic” comments. The BCCI has already issued the two players with a show-cause notice. This resulted in Pandya taking to social media to apologise.

BCCI treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry was cited by NDTV saying, “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?”

“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.

“In any case the entire team and support staff must go through a sensitisation process. The CEO may join them in the sensitisation as well as recommended by Ms. Veena Gowda, Advocate,” he added.

The ‘Koffee With Karan’ episode featuring the two cricketers, aired on Star TV last Sunday night.