Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul have had enough punishment, says CoA chief Vinod Rai

Reactions were mixed after Team India cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul were let off after a temporary suspension over their controversial remarks made on the television show ‘Koffee With Karan’ with film personality Karan Johar. While some felt it was fine that the duo was permitted to return to the 22 yards, there were also voices saying that the eventual outcome was a farce and reflected poorly on the country’s cricket administrators.

Pandya particularly came under heavy condemnation for his remarks on women that were perceived to be sexist and it led to outrage, compelling the board to step in and suspend them. Both Pandya and Rahul were sent back from Australia ahead of the ODI series, denying them, especially the former, the much-needed match practice ahead of the World Cup starting in May.

The Baroda all-rounder was about to make a comeback to international cricket after an injury break and the suspension hurt his plans.

Chief of the Committee of Administrators (CoA) Vinod Rai, however, felt that the two Indian cricketers had already suffered a lot and that was being the reason why their suspension was lifted. Pandya was asked to join the Indian squad in New Zealand for the remaining series while Rahul was to play India ‘A’ against England Lions in an ODI series at home.

“My decision to withdraw (the suspension) was because it was becoming uncertain, that is point number one,” Rai told Mumbai Mirror, adding that it was also hurting the team’s morale.

They have already missed five games

“They have not played five matches (including Saturday’s ODI). The punishment they have undergone is commensurate with whatever they have done. That’s enough. Actually, I had gone on record saying we should suspend them for two matches.” The duo’s future seemed uncertain all the more after the Supreme Court had tentatively made February 5 as the date for the next BCCI hearing.

Hardik Pandya did not feature in the second ODI against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui and Vijay Shankar, who was called as his replacement, played his third consecutive international match after a debut in Australia.

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