CoA lifts suspensions on Hardik Pandya, K.L. Rahul

In a major development, the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) decided to lift the interim suspension orders on K.L. Rahul and Hardik Pandya with immediate effect.

Published : Jan 24, 2019 17:43 IST , New Delhi

Hardik Pandya and K.L. Rahul on the Koffee with Karan Show.
Hardik Pandya and K.L. Rahul on the Koffee with Karan Show.
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Hardik Pandya and K.L. Rahul on the Koffee with Karan Show.

The Committee of Administrators (CoA) on Thursday decided to revoke the suspension of Hardik Pandya and K. L. Rahul for having made unsavoury comments on a TV show recently.

In a statement, the CoA stated, “The CoA had, by emails dated January 11, and in exercise of Rule 41(6) of the Constitution of BCCI, suspended Mr. Hardik Pandya and Mr. K.L. Rahul in view of the allegations of misconduct against them, pending adjudication of the allegations under Rule 46 of the approved BCCI Constitution.”

The CoA clarified that, “Since the adjudication of all allegations of misconduct against any cricketer registered with, inter alia, the BCCI is required to be undertaken by the BCCI Ombudsman, whose appointment is pending directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, the CoA is the of the view that the interim suspension orders dated January 11 should be presently lifted with immediate effect.”

According to the CoA, “The above matter and decision has been taken with the concurrence of the Learned Amicus Curiae, Mr. P. S. Narasimha. In view of the above, the suspension order is lifted pending appointment and adjudication of the allegations by the BCCI Ombudsman.”

READ | Karan Johar on Pandya-Rahul controversy : 'I feel responsible'

The two cricketers had come under severe criticism from all quarters for speaking about women in derogatory terms. Pandya and Rahul were part of the team in Australia when the episode went on air and subsequently the two were sacked from the team and flown back to India.

Pandya and Rahul were given an opportunity explain their case after they had tendered respective apologies to the CoA. They had, observed some Board officials, committed a breach of contract by attending the show without prior permission from the authorities.

Rahul and Pandya happen to be an integral part of the Indian team being prepared for the forthcoming World Cup in England. Some Board officials had demanded exemplary punishment to set an example for this generation of players while some were in favour of giving Pandya and Rahul another chance keeping in mind their age.

The decision by the CoA makes Pandya and Rahul available for selection for the ongoing tour in New Zealand where India plays four more ODIs and three T20 matches after having won the first on Wednesday. It is learned Pandya may join the team for the last six matches of the tour since he reportedly needs match practice after returning from an injury.

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