Indian cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul were issued show cause notice for their comments that were deemed misogynistic and sexist, on a celebrity talk show.
All rounder Pandya and top-order batsman Rahul are part of the Indian team for the upcoming One-Day series against Australia. Rahul also played the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy in which India recorded a historic victory while playing in Australia.
The pair was chatting to well-known Bollywood producer-director Karan Johar at his show ‘Koffee With Karan’ during which they made some comments about women which have came under heavy criticism from the fans and social media users, prompting the BCCI to issue a show cause notice to the cricketers.
"We have sent showcause notices to Hardik Pandya and K L Rahul for their comments. They have been given 24 hours to give an explanation,” Vinod Rai, the chairman of Committee of Administration told the PTI on Wedensday.
Responding to widespread criticism for his “sexist” and “misogynistic” comments, Pandya apologised and said he got “carried away” during the show.
“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,” Pandya wrote on Twitter.
“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.”
While the cricketers were discussing their outings at dance clubs during the talk show, Karan Johar asked Pandya why didn’t he ask women he met their names.
The 25-year-old all-rounder replied: “As I said I’m a little from black side. So, I have to see how they move first.... so I can imagine the picture.”
In a statement issued to news agency PTI, Pandya said he did not intend to portray anyone in bad light.
“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 a bad light,” he said.
He further vowed to never repeat a similar behaviour in the future. “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 the BCCI in the highest regard and will exercise complete discretion and prudence to ensure that such incidents are never repeated in future,” he said.
While KL Rahul is yet to respond to the BCCI notice, the board is considering banning players from such shows.
