Pandya shows regret for his comments after BCCI notice

Sydney/New Delhi, January 9 

Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya on Wednesday offered “regrets” in response to a show-cause notice by BCCI for his comments on women on a TV show, Koffee with Karan, which triggered a massive outrage and might prompt the BCCI to bar players from such appearances. 

“I made an appearance on the chat show where I have made certain statements without realising that these could be disrespectful and offend sensitivities of viewers for which I am sincerely regretful,” said Pandya. “I would like to assure you that there was no malice or any sort of ill-intent on my part to offend anyone or portray any section of the society in bad light,” he added.

Pandya vowed never to repeat the behaviour. “I made these statements in the flow of the show and had not comprehended the extent to which my statements would be found offensive. Rest assured I hold BCCI in highest regard and will exercise complete discretion and prudence to ensure such incidents are never repeated in future,” he said.

Rahul, who was more restrained of the two in his answers, has neither responded to the show cause-notice, nor reacted to the criticism as yet.

The duo had been given 24 hours to give an explanation by BCCI. “I will have to check their explanations. At this point, I cannot commit what action will be taken,” said Vinod Rai, the chairman of the Committee of Administrators, which is overseeing BCCI's functioning.

The 25-year-old Pandya had earlier posted a regret message on his Twitter page. “After reflecting on my comments on Koffee with Karan, I would like to apologise to everyone concerned who I may have hurt in any way.

“Honestly, I got a bit carried away with the nature of the show. In no way did I mean to disrespect or hurt anyone's sentiments. Respect.” 

On the show, Pandya boasted about hooking up with multiple women and also how open he has been about it with his parents. When asked why he didn't ask women their name in a club, Pandya responded by saying, “I like to watch and observe how they (women) move. I'm little from the black side, so I need to see how they move.” 

Criticism started coming Pandya's way soon after and it is learnt that he was ticked off by the BCCI top brass. According to a source, his comments were deemed “crass and cringeworthy” and might have a bearing on whether Indian cricketers appear on “such non-cricket shows” in future. “It will be considered whether players should even be allowed to appear on such shows which have got nothing to do with cricket,” a BCCI source said.

Pandya is currently with the Indian team in Australia where it recently recorded a historic maiden Test series win. He had joined the team before the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne after recovering from a back injury which he had suffered during the Asia Cup in UAE last year.

He will be seen in action in the three-match ODI series against Australia which starts on January 12 in Sydney. — PTI 

How people reacted on social media

Watching Koffee with Karan (or however you spell it) with Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul and the toxic masculinity and racism egged on by Karan Johar's giggles are the reason why Indian men are encouraged to unapologetically misogynistic. Unfortunate!

The Koffee episode with Hardik Pandya smugly sitting with male entitlement & misogyny oozing out is so difficult to watch without cringing. Even though KL Rahul seems like the nice charming guy, by enabling the behaviour of creepy friends like Pandya, you're a part of the problem

Just saw Hardik Pandya on Koffee with Karan. Called my parents to thank them for sending me to school.