Provisional suspensions on Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul revoked by CoA; probe pending

Provisional suspensions on Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul have been lifted with immediate effect pending the appointment and adjudication of allegations by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Ombudsman. 

Earlier, BCCI had suspended all-rounder Pandya and batsman Rahul from all formats of cricket over sexist comments made on a TV show. 

Both the players were criticised and faced a major backlash on social forums for their misogynist comments. The players were ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Australia. 

Now the Committee of Administrators (CoA), after consulting new amicus curiae PS Narsimha, decided to lift the suspension pending an inquiry, for which an ombudsman is to be appointed by the Supreme Court.

The apex court has listed the matter tentatively for February 5. 

"The above matter and decision has been taken with the concurrence of the Learned Amicus Curiae, Mr PS Narasimha. In view of the above, the suspension orders dated 11.01.2019 is immediately lifted pending appointment and adjudication of the allegations by the BCCI Ombudsman," read a statement of CoA, issued by the BCCI. 

Pandya is now expected to join the team in New Zealand while Rahul might play in either domestic circuit or show up for India A in an ongoing home series against England Lions. 

While Diana Edulji wanted the BCCI office-bearers to be involved in deciding the fate of the two cricketers, CoA chief Vinod Rai had dismissed the suggestion as it would have been in violation of the Board constitution. 

The CoA said the decision to suspend the two players was taken under "Rule 46 of the approved BCCI Constitution", which covers players' conduct that can bring the Board into disrepute. 

The idea of letting the players get on with the game was first mooted by BCCI acting president CK Khanna, who wanted the suspensions to be lifted pending inquiry.