Vinod Rai recommends two-ODI ban for Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul

01/10/2019

CoA chief Vinod Rai has recommended a two-ODI ban for KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya after their controversial quotes on women on the show “Koffee with Karan”. Rai has stated that he is not convinced with the explanation by Pandya while Diana Edulji has referred the incident to the BCCI legal cell.

After Pandya's comments were termed as racist and sexist on social media, BCCI sent a show-cause notice to both Pandya and Rahul. Later, the all-rounder responded back to the notice by saying that he was unaware that his comments would be termed as “disrespectful”.

However, the CoA chief is not at all convinced with the explanation of the all-rounder and now recommended a two-ODI ban for both the cricketers where the all-rounder spoke about “hooking up with multiple women” and being open about that with his parents.

"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," Rai told PTI.

"Diana has sought 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."

There are reports that Edulji has also asked the opinions from the board’s acting president CK Khanna, acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary, and treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry on the matter.

Earlier today, TOI reported that CoA member Diana Edulji was not happy with the show-cause notice only and wanted the duo to be banned.