April 9, 2019
MUMBAI: While Mumbai Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya deposed before the BCCI
ombudsman on Tuesday in connection with the chat show case, India opener KL
Rahul is expected to depose on Wednesday morning.
The ombudsman will submit his report before the national selectors begin the
process of selection of the Indian team for the 2019 World Cup.
The controversial Koffee with Karan episode featuring the two cricketers
was telecast early January. The Committee of Administrators (CoA) called
the duo back from the tour of Australia and provisionally suspended them.
Both tendered apologies and their ban was provisionally lifted pending
inquiry.
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 wrote in his apology: "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."
Pandya faced widespread attack when in an episode of a talk show he, along
with Rahul, made misogynistic comments about women, and were suspended by the
Board of Control for Cricket in India for poor conduct and tarnishing the image
of Indian cricket.
The ban has now been lifted. He returned to the side for the ODI series against
New Zealand and performed admirably. He has a vital spot in India's 2019 World
Cup plans.
Earlier, Pandya had suffered a back injury during the Asia Cup in 2018 which
ruled him out of the tour of Australia.
