Hardik Pandya Deposes Before Ombudsman For Sexism Row; KL Rahul to Meet Today

The talk show episode was aired in the first week of January and had triggered outrage, which prompted the COA to call the duo back from the tour of Australia handing them provisional suspensions.

Indian cricket all-rounder Hardik Pandya has deposed before the Supreme Court appointed ombudsman and ethics officer D.K. Jain in Mumbai for his sexist comments on a popular TV show. KL Rahul, who was also involved in the case, is expected to depose today.

Pandya and Rahul appeared on the talk show which was aired in the first week of January, where their comments – Pandya’s in particular – drew widespread criticism and raised concerns over the team culture. Following this, the duo were provisionally suspended by the Committee of Administrators (COA) before the ban was lifted pending an inquiry by the Ombudsman.

While Pandya is a part of Mumbai Indians in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), Rahul is plying his trade for Kings XI Punjab and the two teams are set to face each other at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday.

Speaking to IANS, a senior board functionary said the ombudsman is expected to submit his report to the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) before the national selectors sit for the selection of the Indian team for the 2019 World Cup.

“While there is no timeline as such, but we are hopeful the ombudsman will submit his report on the duo before M.S.K Prasad and his team sits for the selection meeting in Mumbai on Monday. Nobody can read the mind of another individual, but the punishment cannot be bigger than the crime. Let’s see what the ombudsman’s report says about the two,” the functionary said.

Earlier, in his apology to the BCCI, Pandya had written: “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. 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. I made these statements in the flow of the show and had not comprehended the extent to which my statements would be found offensive.”

Rahul on his part wrote: “At the outset, I extend my unconditional heartfelt apology for this extremely unfortunate incident. I’m extremely ashamed and embarrassed since this has caused such disgrace and embarrassment to both, the BCCI and sport of cricket. I assure you that, I shall, in the future, act more responsibly and shall ensure that my actions befit my stature as cricketer and a public personality representing India and the BCCI, across the globe.”

(With IANS Input)