More Trouble Looms for Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul

Back in January, cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul appeared on popular talk show, Koffee with Karan. During the segment, there was an outcry among the public owing to sexist comments made by the two players on live television.

Now, it seems that they have not stopped paying for their offences. According to BCCI Ombudsman DK Jain, both players are compelled to pledge Rs 1 lakh each, to the widows of 10 constables in paramilitary forces who lost their lives while on duty. In addition to that, they also have been fined 20 lakhs each for their comments.

According to the Ombudsman, if Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul fail to comply within four weeks of receiving the order, the BCCI has the power to deduct the amount from their match fees.

Back when the controversy first surfaced, they lost 30 lakhs as they were dismissed from the Australia tour. DK Jain also said that players like Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul are role models for the Indian public.

He also noted that this was not a case of indiscipline since both Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul apologised and accepted the punishment without question. Now, the matter is considered closed and the two will be looking ahead to representing India in the World Cup 2019 in England and Wales.

When the controversial episode aired in January, in the wake of the outrage, the COA recalled the pair from the tour of Australia. Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul were also slapped with provisional suspensions from the team.

Shamefaced, Pandya and Rahul apologised profusely and the ban was provisionally lifted pending an inquiry. When DK Jain took on the role of Ombudsman, the COA handed the case to him for completion of the inquiry and to mete out punishment.

Following the drama, Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul opened up publicly on the incident. They dubbed it as one of the toughest phases of their respective careers.