ZCZC
BSP-07
CRICKET-IND-PANDYA
Pandya to join India team in New Zealand after suspension lifted
NEW DELHI, Jan 25, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – All-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to
join India’s touring squad in New Zealand after his suspension over sexist
comments on a TV show was lifted by the country’s cricket board.
Pandya talked about his encounters with multiple women in a chat show
earlier this month as teammate K. L. Rahul sat next to him, prompting uproar
on social media that led to the duo being suspended pending an inquiry.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Thursday allowed Pandya to
participate in the ongoing one-day international series in New Zealand and
Rahul to join the India A squad in Thiruvananthapuram.
“Hardik Pandya will be sent to New Zealand to join the team at the earliest
and K.L. Rahul will join the India A squad to play the last three one-day
games against England Lions,” the BCCI said in a news release.
The BCCI had suspended Pandya and Rahul and ordered them to return home in
the middle of the team’s tour of Australia.
On Thursday the board said its committee of administrators “is of the view
that the interim suspension orders… should be presently lifted with
immediate effect”.
The final call on the duo’s fate will be taken by an ombudsman whose
appointment has been stuck in a legal wrangle.
The players had apologised for their conduct following the uproar, with
Pandya saying he “got a bit carried away with the nature of the show”.
Virat Kohli’s India lead the five-match series against the Kiwis after
their opening win in Napier and will face the hosts on Saturday in the second
match.
The tourists will also play three Twenty20 internationals in New Zealand.
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1220 hrs