Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul's World Cup in jeopardy, hints CoA member Diana Edulji

If Committee of Administrators (CoA) member Diana Edulji’s comments are anything to go by then the BCCI and the supreme court-appointed panel are in no mood to cut Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul some slack.  Both the players have not been able to relax since the last episode of talk show Koffee with Karan, aired last Sunday. Ever since then, Pandya and Rahul have been all over the news for all the wrong reasons.

They have not only faced heavy backlash across social media but are now in danger of facing a severe punishment from the BCCI. The board has already made it clear that it would deal with the matter with stern hands. On Friday, the BCCI suspended the duo from all forms of cricket pending an inquiry. As a result, both the players have returned home from Australia and have been ruled out of the ongoing ODI series as well as the ODI and T20I series in New Zealand.

Upon their arrival at home, they will have seven days to explain why proceedings shouldn’t be made against them for misconduct and indiscipline under Rule 41 of the BCCI Constitution.

Edulji has now hinted that the recent turn of events could jeopardise Pandya and Rahul’s World Cup plans. The former Indian women team’s skipper made it clear that that the duo will not be spared for their derogatory remarks and bringing disrepute to Indian cricket.

“Nobody is bigger than the game. Nobody is bigger than the institution. There is a code of conduct, things are mentioned in the contracts. You need to follow these rules and regulations. Every player must understand his or her responsibility. Such loose talk gave a bad name to the BCCI and we had to correct it. Of course, we’re (calling them back). They have to return; what will they do there in Australia? They have not gone for a holiday. They have been suspended,” she was quoted as saying by The Mumbai Mirror.

When asked whether a ban could see them miss World Cup 2019 as well, Edulji shot back by saying:  “So it be.”

More miseries for Pandya:

Meanwhile, Pandya has suffered another blow in the wake of the controversy.  Leading shaving blade brand Gillette has suspended its association with the all-rounder with immediate effect. Gillette had signed a deal with Pandya in October last year.

Apart from Gillette, Pandya endorses seven brands, including Gulf Oil, D:FY, Star India, and Sin Denims. The recent controversy could very well cost him a few more endorsements.

Watch: Flop ODI XI of the year 2018

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