With the 12th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) fever gripping the whole cricketing fraternity, the recent Koffee With Karan controversy has taken a backseat. However, it is totally not right as the Supreme Court appointed Board of Control for Cricket in Indian (BCCI) ombudsman (Retd) DK Jain has issued notices to Indian National Cricket team players Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul.
Meanwhile, BCCI initially suspended Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul for their sexists and misogynistic remarks on a popular chat show. The players had to return to the country during the ODI series against Australia earlier this year in January. BCCI, likely after a month, decided to revoke the suspension from Rahul and Pandya. While Pandya joined the Indian team in New Zealand, selectors asked Rahul to join the India A squad which were playing against England Lions. However, after two months ombudsman DK Jain admitted that he had issued notices to both the cricketers last week.
“I have issued notices last week to Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul asking them to appear for deposition,” Justice Jain told PTI on Monday.
Deposition likely to happen in Mumbai
Meanwhile, it is still not clear how BCCI will co-ordinate with Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul’s respective franchises Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab to arrange for their deposition amidst the busy schedule. But it is likely that they might arrange for the deposition before the two franchises clashes in Mumbai on April 11. DK Jain, who is also BCCI’s ad-hoc committee member made it clear that both players need to depose to bring this matter to an end.
“As per principles of natural justice, I need to hear their side. It’s up to them now to decide when they want to appear,” Justice Jain said.
Meanwhile, both Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul have shown good form in the ongoing tournament. While the all-rounder has made game-changing contributions in the lower-order, Rahul played an outstanding knock which helped his side script their first win of the season. They will have to keep their form going as they look ahead to the ICC World Cup in England and Wales starting from May 30.