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CoA chief wants 2-ODI ban for Pandya, Rahul

NEW DELHI:Vinod Rai, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) chief, on Thursday recommended a two-ODI ban on Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul for their controversial comments on women in a TV show but fellow CoA member Diana Edulji referred the matter to BCCI’s legal cell.

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New Delhi, January 10 

Vinod Rai, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) chief, on Thursday recommended a two-ODI ban on Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul for their controversial comments on women in a TV show but fellow CoA member Diana Edulji referred the matter to BCCI’s legal cell. If the ban is imposed, the duo could miss the first two matches of a three-match ODI series against Australia, starting on Saturday in Sydney.

“I am not convinced with Hardik’s explanation and I have recommended a two-match ban for both players. However, the final decision will be taken once Diana gives her go ahead,” said Rai.

Pandya’s comments on ‘Koffee with Karan’ were slammed as misogynistic and sexist, prompting CoA to issue a show cause notice on Wednesday. The all-rounder, in response, said he was sincerely regretful and would not repeat the behaviour.

“Diana has sought a legal opinion 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 said.

Diana also sought the opinion of BCCI acting president CK Khanna, acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary and treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry on the issue. Responding to her query, Anirudh recommended a suspension for the two and a gender sensitisation programme for them. He also took a dig at BCCI CEO Rahul Johri, who was cleared of sexual harassment charges but advised to undergo gender sensitisation by an inquiry committee.  

“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. 

Chaudhry said there should also be an investigation into how the two players appeared on an entertainment show. “...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 permission sought? Was such permission granted? If so, by whom?” he asked. — PTI


Such loose talk makes them Easy targets for honey-traps: Chaudhry

BCCI’s acting treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry said the loose talk on women could make Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul susceptible to approaches by bookmakers through “honey-traps”.  “...the comments such as the ones that have been made would definitely have painted a large, red target on the back of the players for potential recruiters for the organised syndicates who attempt to indulge in match-fixing across the globe,” he said. “The very first caution that ICC’s anti-corruption officers give in briefing to the players is to beware of honey traps and the comments made on the show make it seem that the players may just be ripe for the plucking.” 

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