The wait of Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul to make a return to cricket field has further been extended for two weeks at least. As per a report in The Times of India, BCCI’s case will be up for hearing on February 5, that clearly means that they will wait for few more days before the process to probe the case on the duo starts. A delay in the inquest could surely now hamper the participation of duo in Indian Premier League and World Cup 2019.
If the duo is banned for a certain period, it will automatically put their participation in IPL in doubt, which could further have an impact on their participation in World Cup that will be played from May to July in England. As per the report, Vinod Rai, the chairman of COA, is considering to appoint an ad-hoc ombudsman. BCCI does not have an ombudsman, which has seen a delay a decision being taken over the two players.
Rai had suggested a two-match ban of Pandya and Rahul while Diana Edulj, another member of COA, wanted a strict action against the two. This saw both of them being called back from Australia and BCCI also suspended them. They are now allowed to play any form of cricket till the time a decision of taking on them.
The comments made by Pandya and Rahul were deemed to be sexist by the audience. Both the cricketers invited for their comments on social media and later, BCCI also took the matter seriously.
