Supreme Court sets February 5 as the date for Hardik Pandya-KL Rahul controversy hearing

The new year couldn’t have started on a worse note for national cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul. The duo, who faced an indefinite suspension over their controversial appearances on the television show ‘Koffee With Karan’ with filmmaker Karan Johar, will see a delayed return to the 22 yards.

The case will be up for hearing in the Supreme Court on February 5, as per a Times of India report, which means the players will have to wait for a few more days. Further delay could certainly put the two players’ preparation for the Indian Premier League and the big one – the World Cup – under question. The stakes are higher for all-rounder Pandya, who has been a key member of the Indian side over the past few years.

If the decision on the punishment for Pandya and Rahul turns out to be harsh, then both could miss what would have been their first World Cup. The two, especially Pandya, came under fire over their controversial remarks and although sympathy poured in for them from some ex-cricketers who said they would learn it hard way, some voices in the administration have sought strict punishment for the duo. The procedure got further delayed since there was no ombudsman for the case.

It’s more unfortunate for Pandya

Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul were sent home midway from the Australia series and handed over suspension pending inquiry. The developments have been particularly unfortunate for the former since he was just about making a comeback to the national side after a long injury break. Rahul, on the other hand, was playing regularly though had a horrendous form with the bat.

Rahul though did not make objectionable remarks on women, something for which Pandya was accused, he probably broke the code of conduct by speaking on how he partied till 5 am on a match day and yet scored a century. The suspension means Pandya and Rahul miss out on some vital match practice ahead of the World Cup even though the administrators and team management have refused to compromise with breach of discipline.

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