The incident has tarnished the image of Indian cricket further as it was reeling under criticism for covering up charges of sexual harassment charges levelled against its CEO Rahul Johri late last year.
Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya and opener KL Rahul's appearances on a television talk-show, where the former's "crass" and "cringeworthy" comments on women caused huge outrage, has forced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to issue a show-cause notice to both cricketers on Wednesday.
The incident has tarnished the image of Indian cricket further as it was reeling under criticism for covering up charges of sexual harassment charges levelled against its CEO Rahul Johri late last year.
Both the players are currently in Australia to participate in the forthcoming One-Day International series. They had made an appearance on the show 'Koffee with Karan' where Pandya's answers to certain questions posed by the host film personality Karan Johar came under criticism, particularly on social media, for being "racist and sexist".
Meanwhile, Pandya responded to the board's show-cause notice. "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," stated Pandya's response, PTI reported.
"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."
Pandya vowed never to repeat the behaviour. "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 highest regard and will exercise complete discretion and prudence to ensure that such incidents are never repeated in future," he said.
Going by an insider's account, the show-cause notice was signed by Johri, on the instructions of Committee of Administrators chairman Vinod Rai. Both players were given 24 hours to reply to the notice.
Why issue notice?
As some people raised the question of freedom of expression of the players, BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary said, "Any freedom granted by the Constitution of India is not unlimited freedom. Public morality, decency, public order, these are the conditions under which they are to be judged."
On the show, Pandya boasted about hooking up with multiple women and also how open he has been about it with his parents. When asked why he didn't ask women their name in a club, Pandya responded: "I like to watch and observe how they (women) move. I'm little from the black side so I need to see how they move."
Having seen the outrage against his comments, Pandya apologised on Twitter. "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. 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."
What next?
The BCCI officials were non-committal on what kind of action will be taken against the cricketers. There were, however, suggestions that cricketers might henceforth be barred from appearing on shows not related to cricket.
BCCI, a divided house
None of the top BCCI officials are in a mood to spare COA Rai on this particular issue. "Isn't it like pot calling the kettle black," said Choudhary, when asked if COA is serious this about taking action against Pandya.
Whereas, Board treasurer Anirudh Chaudhary even questioned Rai's moral authority to go public on this issue. "If the recommendation by Veena Gowda (one of the committee members hearing case of sexual harassment against Johri) where she recommended the BCCI CEO 'to undergo some form of gender sensitivity counselling/training' has not yet been met by the COA Rai, then how come he has moral authority to question others," asked the Haryana strongman.
Chaudhary asked Rai to find out who allowed the cricketers to appear on the TV show. "Surprisingly, when lot of requests by Indian cricket journalists were denied by Board media team, how come a permission for such a masala show was granted, and at whose behest?" Chaudhary asked.
(with PTI inputs)
Prime Time Cringe
Aaj mai kar ke aaya (I did it today)
To his parents, upon losing his virginity
I like to watch and observe how they (women) move. I’m little from the black side so I need to see how they move
When asked why he didn’t inquire about the names of women in clubs
Yeh, yeh, yeh (pointing out women) and they were like ‘waah, proud of you beta’
When parents asked at a party which woman was involved with him
Talent pe hota hai. Jisko mila woh leke jao (It depends on talent. Whoever gets it, takes it home)
When asked what happens when he and KL Rahul like the same woman
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