The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has suspended bans on Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul. Both, Rahul and Pandya were sent home from India’s Australian tour after Karan Johar asked the cricket pair intimate questions on his show Koffee With Karan. Their reply in regards to women were appropriate and considered sexist that did hurt sentiments of many and cause BCCI to put the ban. 

KL Rahul (left), Hardik Pandya (right)

Both, Rahul and Hardik were asked questions by Karan Johar who is the B-town producer and director. He is also the anchor of his show Koffee With Karan (KKW). On being asked about lives of the cricket duo in regards to dating and women, Pandya spoke about “hook-ups” with several women and said he liked to observe women at bars or nightclubs.

He boasted on the show about being open with his parents about his girlfriends and the girls he like, however Rahul, who is yet not addressed to the controversy, is still more reserved with his comments.

But the BCCI says the bans have been “lifted pending appointment and adjudication of the allegations” against the pair. Both players have apologised to the BCCI following the controversy.

All-rounder Pandya could now join up with India squad for their limited overs series in New Zealand, while batsman Rahul might play in either domestic cricket or for India A in an ongoing home series against England Lions.

Pandya recently said on Twitter: “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.”

India captain Virat Kohli also acknowledged that the comments were ‘inappropriate’ prior to their suspension on 11 January.

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