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Cricket star Pandya’s ‘misogynist’ comments on women spark anger
NEW DELHI, Jan 9, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – India cricket chiefs Wednesday ordered
star all-rounder Hardik Pandya to explain sexist comments made on a TV chat
show after the remarks sparked social media outrage and prompted the player
to apologise.
Pandya said he “got a bit carried away” as he explained his bragging about
his prowess with women on the show that aired Sunday.
Pandya and batsman Lokesh Rahul, who also took part in the interview, have
both been ordered to explain their comments. Both are currently on India’s
tour of Australia.
“We have sent show cause notices to Hardik Pandya and K.L. Rahul for their
comments,” Board of Control for Cricket in India administrator Vinod Rai was
quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India news agency.
“They have been given 24 hours to give an explanation.”
The announcement came only a few hours after the 25-year-old Pandya posted
his apology on social media.
“After reflecting on my comments on Koffee with Karan, I would like to
apologise to everyone concerned who I may have hurt in any way,” Pandya said
on Twitter.
“Honestly, I got a bit carried away with the nature of the show. In no way
did I mean to disrespect or hurt anyone’s sentiments. Respect,” he added.
The show hosted by Bollywood producer and director Karan Johar encourages
guests to open up on personal matters.
Pandya, who was in the squad that beat Australia for the first time in an
away Test series, boasted about his success with multiple women.
“You are just watching and observing how they move as I said I am a little
from the black side (influenced by West Indies culture) so I have to see how
they (women) move first,” he said.
Pandya also said he had bragged to his parents after losing his virginity.
He was quickly slammed for his views on women.
“#KoffeeWithCricketers was just the worst episode. What’s up with all the
#misogyny. Tired of this boys will be boys attitude,” Ekta Chauhan, a Twitter
user, wrote.
“To say the least #HardikPandya is horrendous a misogynist,” added another
user who called for Indian cricket authorities to take action against the
“obnoxious” comments.
Pandya is still expected to play in three one-day internationals against
Australia starting Saturday in Sydney.
Pandya and Rahul also caused a social media stir for comments on the same
show when they said current India skipper Virat Kohli was a better batsman
than the country’s cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar.
BSS/AFP/BZC/1835HRS